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Arsenal are planning to open contract talks with Aaron Ramsey and Danny Welbeck in the next few weeks to avoid the players entering the final years of their deals, sources close to the club have told ESPN FC. Arsenal's contract policy has come under scrutiny after allowing Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all to enter the final year of their contracts this season. Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Liverpool last month after turning down a new deal, while Sanchez's future remains the subject of intense speculation after a potential move to Manchester City fell through on transfer deadline day. Ozil has yet to agree a new deal and Sport Bild reported this week that the Germany international is ready to run down his contract and leave for free next summer. Ramsey and Welbeck are both out of contract at Arsenal in 2019 and sources told ESPN FC that Arsenal want to secure the duo on long-term contracts in the near future to avoid another summer of uncertainty, with talks planned before the end of the year. Ahead of Thursday's Europa League meeting with Cologne, Wenger said contract talks had "slowed down" since transfer deadline day, adding: "We need a little breather and to focus on the competition, but we will slowly get back into that." Asked if he was still hopeful that Ozil will sign a new deal, Wenger replied: "Yes, of course." Wales international Ramsey joined Arsenal in 2008 from Cardiff City and is among the club's current longest serving players with 300 appearances for the Gunners. Welbeck made the move to Arsenal from Manchester United in the summer of 2014 and he has battled back from two serious injuries to establish himself as a key player in Wenger's side. The England international, who has scored three goals so far this season, has netted 20 goals in 74 appearances for Arsenal. ESPN FC's Arsenal correspondent, Mattias Karen, contributed to this report.
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