Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Jack Wilshere will be offered a new contract with his current deal set to expire next summer.
The England international opted to leave the Emirates on a season-long loan deal this past summer and joined Bournemouth.
While he’ll be missing for Eddie Howe’s side this weekend as he’s ineligible to face his parent club, Wenger has clearly been keeping an eye on his progress as Wilshere has regained his fitness and form to showcase his undeniable talent.
In turn, it has seemingly been enough to ensure that Arsenal will offer him a new contract before the summer, and it will be a relief for all concerned, provided that he signs it, given time is ticking on his current deal.
“Of course. Ideally [it will be addressed before next summer]. We have to plan around the new year,” he told reporters, as noted by Sky Sports.
“I ask every week how did he play but I haven’t spoken to him. I leave him to talk to his manager. When I can watch him, I do watch him.
“I am happy that he is developing well. It was a good decision for him to go to get regular football.
“He is getting stronger every week and that is exactly what he needed. When a player like Jack is in top form, you miss him.”
The 24-year-old has featured in every Premier League game for Bournemouth so far this season, and has now completed 90 minutes in four consecutive outings.
He’ll hope to continue to steer clear of injuries and prove his worth, and in fact there is a case to suggest that Arsenal could do with him at Wenger’s disposal right now.
With Santi Cazorla sidelined through injury, Arsenal are struggling with their fluency from an attacking perspective. However, Wenger will have to hope that Wilshere will return at the end of the season ready to take on a bigger role in the years ahead if the contract is secured.