Arsenal transfer news: 'Aaron Ramsey will be linked with 10 clubs in the summer,' claims former striker John Hartson

Arsenal could face a battle to keep hold of star midfielder Aaron Ramsey after his brilliant form this season could lead to interest from several high-profile clubs, claims former Arsenal striker John Hartson.

Ramsey made an electric start to the season that saw the Gunners rise to the top of the Premier League, but his lengthy injury lay-off coincided with Arsenal’s drop in form that ultimately cost them the title. Having returned in early April, Ramsey is now hoping to secure his first piece of silverware for Arsenal when they take on Hull in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

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But Hartson, Ramsey’s Welsh compatriot, believes that his improvement this term will lead to interest from Europe’s best, and feels up to 10 clubs could show interest in a move for the 23-year-old.

“Aaron Ramsey will be linked to 10 clubs in the summer,” Hartson said.

“But I can't see him leaving Arsenal in the foreseeable future. He's settled and loves the club.”

He added: “He's a top player and Arsenal don't want to lose him.

“He may feel 'I've had one outstanding season and Arsenal stuck by me when I wasn't playing that great a few years ago'.

“When he does get linked and when bids come in for him that tells you he's doing exceptionally well.”

Ramsey suffered an horrendous broken leg while playing against Stoke in February 2010, and admitted earlier this season that it took him years to overcome the trauma of the injury and regain his confidence.

And having come under intense criticism for his poor form 18 months ago, Ramsey has transformed his performances at the Emirates and proved any of his critics wrong, justifying the faith shown in him from manager Arsene Wenger.

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The Wales international signed a five-year contract extension earlier this season and supporters are hopeful that the team can be built in years to come around the midfielder, and Hartson agrees that Ramsey has enjoyed a phenomenal year that has seen him score 15 goals for the Gunners despite the four-month absence.

“Aaron's done terrifically well. He's shown great mental strength," raved Hartson, who scored 14 times during a two-season spell with the north London club.

“Let's not forget 18 months ago at Arsenal he was facing a bit of a backlash from the home fans. They were thinking, 'he's not really stepped up his performances'.

“But he's found something. He's gone up a gear and he's so influential to Arsenal now and the way they play.”

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Ramsey can help Arsenal end their nine-year trophy drought with victory at Wembley, having seen off defending champions Wigan in the semi-finals in their first visit to the national stadium since the 2011 League Cup final defeat to Birmingham. Ramsey was not selected in the squad that day, although six of his current team-mates did feature in the match, and they will be hopeful that history doesn’t repeat itself when they take on the Tigers.