Arsenal legend Aaron Ramsey a surprise name in French club’s pre-season plans
AARON RAMSEY is expected to return for pre-season training with Nice next week.
The Wales captain, 32, has failed to agree terms on a new long-term deal with the Ligue 1 club.
Talks are still on-going over Ramsey’s future options with boyhood club Cardiff interested.
But, at this stage, the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star midfielder is due to travel back to the south of France this weekend.
A Nice statement on their official website read: “The rest of the players who were involved in international matches over the summer: Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark), Aaron Ramsey (Wales), Khephren Thuram (France U21s) and Ayoub Amraoui (Morocco U21s) will join up with the squad next week.”
The fact Nice have included Ramsey as a player for their pre-season plans adds another layer of complication on his uncertain future.
SunSport have tried to contact Ramsey’s representatives to clarify whether he triggered another 12-month contract with the French club after playing a certain number of matches last season.
Ramsey played 34 games, scoring just once – and Nice’s latest move appears to confirm he is under contract with them.
As it stands, Ramsey’s future remains in limbo but there is still plenty of time left in the current transfer window for a decision to be made.
However, if Ramsey is no longer a free agent then it may become tougher for him to move this summer as Nice could command a transfer fee and that could deter suitors such as Cardiff.
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Another option for Ramsey would be to release himself from his contract and forfeit any wages owed.
Ramsey has previously held talks with Cardiff and said he would love to rejoin the Bluebirds ‘one day’.
The midfielder is keen to play his football closer to home with his family set to remain in south Wales.
Ramsey joined Nice last summer after leaving Juventus on a free transfer.