Ramsey ‘close’ to leaving Arsenal after contract withdrawal

Leno joined Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen for £22million in the summer but proved unable to force his way into Emery’s team.

The Welshman was also surprisingly handed the captain’s armband when Petr Cech departed the pitch with injury in the first-half.

The result meant Watford drop to sixth in the Premier League table, swapping places with the Gunners.

Emery’s side ran out 2-0 winners thanks to an own goal from Craig Cathcart before Mesut Ozil scored his second of the season.

“It was a hard start. I hope it’s not too bad”, he explained to PLP . I am very convinced by him. He is playing well but Bernd Leno continued the performance for us and it is a good example for the squad.

‘I spoke with him and said the most important thing is when the team needs him to help us, to be prepared. We need time but we tried to play football from behind and we have to concentrate as not everything was flawless. We want to improve and give ourselves opportunities.

Arsenal defender Rob Holding has insisted that the Gunners always had the quality up front to win against Watford, once they stood up to the physical tests.

Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Ivan Gazidis’ decision to leave Arsenal for AC Milan forced us to slash odds on Arsene Wenger following suit”.

The German goalkeeper had an instant impact, getting down low to tip Troy Deeney’s effort wide following a set-piece from the visitors. Ramsey, who is Arsenal’s longest serving player and leading active goal scorer, has reportedly been looking for a deal worth in excess of £200,000 a week.

“We are competing well in all the games”.

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