Arsenal are going to offer Jack Wilshere a five-year contract worth double his current one to try and ward off interest from Manchester City, reports the Sunday Mirror.
SEE MORE
Arsenal transfer news
Manchester City transfer rumours
Arsenal agree £3.9m player sale as Gunners close in Chelsea star
The Citizens are on the lookout for home grown players to fulfil the quota, and the Gunners man has found himself on a shortlist alongside Liverpool star Raheem Sterling and Aston Villa ace Fabian Delph. However, the North London club are keen to keep the 23-year-old, and are keen to offer him a contract to ward off any interest despite his current deal lasting another three years.
Being a boyhood Arsenal supporter, the midfielder is a fan favourite. His reputation has only grown after being fined £40,000 for leading an anti-Tottenham chant during their FA Cup celebrations, as the Daily Mirror reported he was. Manager Arsene Wenger was less than pleased with the incident, but still sees him as a potential future captain of the club.
The youngster has been impressive since returning from injury in the latter stages of the season. In England’s game against Slovenia last week he scored twice and was instrumental in the Three Lions’ 3-2 win in the European Championships qualifier while playing in a deeper role.
This could finally force Wenger to play the centre-mid further back for club as well, perhaps alongside Francis Coquelin. The Frenchman was in great form over the last six months, and came through the youth system with Wilshere at the Emirates.