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Wenger suggests Arsenal star Jack Wilshere is in line for new deal

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere warms up before the game (REUTERS)
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Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere is currently on loan at Bournemouth.

Arsenal Legends coach Arsene Wenger

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has suggested that midfielder Jack Wilshere be offered a new deal in January as he still sees the player as a major part of his long-term plans, the Mirror report.

Wilshere has struggled for the past few seasons with the Gunners due to injury problems, and as such he opted to join Bournemouth during the summer transfer window on a season-long loan.

The England international has an abundance of quality, yet fitness issues and heavy competition for places at Arsenal meant he was no longer guaranteed regular first-team football.

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere in action

Wenger, however, still sees him part of his long-term plans in North London and told reporters how he plans on offering the midfielder a new deal in December.

“Sometimes it doesn’t always come out as you want it to. But he (Wilshere) is a real Arsenal man as well. He can be a captain here. I want him to extend (his contract), yes. I think that will happen around December,” Wenger told the Mirror.

“I let him go for health reasons. But he is an ambitious guy. We have all been his age and wanted to play football but we didn’t have his talent.

“He’s a world-class player and he doesn’t have to show me that he has the quality to play at Bournemouth, just that he comes back to a regular competitive level.”

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere applauds fans after the game

Wilshere surprised many by opting to join Bournemouth on deadline day, but Eddie Howe’s preference of playing style – both attacking and possession-based – will no doubt have played a key part.

The 24-year-old has lost his way somewhat at Arsenal, and joining the Cherries will give him the opportunity to play regularly, though questions will be asked of the player’s fitness.

Wilshere has made just 19 Premier League appearances since the 2013-14 campaign.

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere warms up before the game