Arsene Wenger says that he expects Jack Wilshere to sign a new deal at Arsenal, as long as the two sides can agree on the financial terms, with Arsenal offering an incentive heavy contract to the England midfielder.
Wilshere appears to have re-established himself in Arsenal’s midfield after a series of fine performances, which has brought his long-term future into the spotlight.
The 25-year-old will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs as of January 1, but Wenger remains confident that he will ultimately agree to extend his stay at the Emirates.
Asked if there were any updates on Wilshere, Wenger said:
‘We will sit down with him. I believe if he can meet a point of agreement financially, he will want to stay.’
Olivier Giroud is another player who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates with Everton manager Sam Allardyce claiming his move to Goodison Park was scuppered by his wife.
Allardyce had claimed Giroud rejected a summer move to the club because his partner didn’t want to move ‘north of Watford’, but Wenger laughed off that suggestion, claiming he could have quite easily complete the transfer and remained in London.
Asked if Giroud’s wife was a factor, Wenger:
‘No, I don’t think so. He could have joined Everton and stayed basically in London.
‘I don’t think that was the problem.’
Ahead of the game against Crystal Palace, Wenger also said there has been no update on the future of Alexis Sanchez, who is expected to leave for Manchester City when his contract expires in the summer.
There has also been a suggestion that the Chilean could leave in January, but Wenger says they are yet to receive an approach for the contract rebel.
He said: ‘No, honestly, no. We have not been approached and I stick to what I said before.’