Jack Wilshere has suggested that he has been left surprised over Arsenal's current plan to allow Aaron Ramsey to leave the club on a free transfer.

Ramsey has spent the last decade at the Emirates Stadium - scoring 59 goals from 338 appearances in all competitions - but the Gunners hierarchy recently opted to withdraw their offer of a new contract.

The Wales international's deal expires in the summer, but former Arsenal man Wilshere has said that he would have been considering Ramsey as a future captain of the North London outfit rather than allowing his exit.

The 26-year-old told the Islington Gazzette: "For me he's a future Arsenal captain. I know he loves the club. It's difficult for me to comment on because I'm not there but I do know he's a great player – if it was me I know I would want to keep him around.

"He's a great guy to have around. He's been at the club so long and knows it inside out. If you look at what he's done for the club too."

Ramsey is said to be interesting a number of high-profile clubs around Europe.