Top European club leading chase for Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Bayern Munich have stepped up their interest in Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey.

The Welshman is in the final season of his Emirates contract and will leave the club at the end of the season.

Ramsey had been confident of signing a new deal but the proposed offer was taken off the table by the Gunners.

He has been linked with Premier League sides Chelsea and Liverpool while clubs in Italy have also registered an interest in the midfielder.

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Reports emerged on Thursday that Bayern were now leading the chase for Ramsey and were confident they had won the race to sign him.

The suggestions the deal is done are wide of the mark but there is major interest from the Bundesliga champions.

Ramsey's agent is confident of securing a move to a Champions League club, with Ramsey free to talk to foreign sides in January.

Juventus and Milan are both keen on taking Ramsey to Italy with the player believed to be open to a move to Europe.

Ramsey has been used sparingly in recent weeks with Emery urging him to focus on this season with Arsenal.

“January is very far,” Emery said.

“I want every player to stay with the mentality and preparation to play together to win. The future is tomorrow, not more. Individual things are not for now.”