Jack Wilshere is not for sale, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger tells Manchester City 

  • Manchester City are interested in Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere 
  • But Arsene Wenger insists the England international is not for sale  
  • Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta passed fit for Burnley clash
  • Laurent Koscielny facing fitness test on injury sustained against Liverpool 

Arsene Wenger has told Manchester City not to waste their time in trying to sign Jack Wilshere.

The Etihad Stadium club are interested in Wilshere as they look to increase their homegrown quota ahead of next season. But Wenger insisted Wilshere will not be be leaving the Gunners.

'You can imagine my answer, we are not in a position where we have to sell our best players,' said Wenger.  


Jack Wilshere, pictured in action for Arsenal's Under 21s this week, is being courted by Manchester City 

Jack Wilshere, pictured in action for Arsenal's Under 21s this week, is being courted by Manchester City 

The England international was in the stands for Arsenal's Premier League win against Liverpool 

The England international was in the stands for Arsenal's Premier League win against Liverpool 

Mikel Arteta is set to return to the Arsenal line-up
Abou Diaby has suffered a number of injury setbacks in recent years

Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta and injury-prone Abou Diaby are in line to feature against Burnley on Saturday 

Wenger has been handed a quadruple fitness boost ahead of Saturday's clash at Burnley with Wilshere, Mathieu Debuchy, Mikel Arteta and Abou Diaby all available for selection after long-term injuries.

But Laurent Koscielny will face a late fitness test on a groin injury sustained in Arsenal's 4-1 demolition of Liverpool.

Wilshere has been out of action since November following two operations on an ankle injury he suffered in his side's defeat against Manchester United.

The 23-year-old faces a raft on in-form players blocking his path back into the first team, and when asked on when he would return to the starting XI, Wenger said: 'That depends on the game, on fitness, on availability and the need of the team. 

Mathieu Debuchy, who has been out since January, is available for selection for the trip to Turf Moor 

Mathieu Debuchy, who has been out since January, is available for selection for the trip to Turf Moor 

Olivier Giroud is pictured scoring in Arsenal's 4-1 victory against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium 

Olivier Giroud is pictured scoring in Arsenal's 4-1 victory against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium 

The France international is in fine form; he has scored in six consecutive Premier League matches 

The France international is in fine form; he has scored in six consecutive Premier League matches 

'Everybody is rated exactly the same and you respect everybody and want everybody to just contribute to the team. 'Everybody can have a big impact until the end of the season, Jack included.

'Every player who doesn't play is very frustrated when he can not perform - (Abou) Diaby has been out for a year, (Theo) Walcott has been out for a year.

'Wilshere has played many games this year, he was out, but not for as long as Walcott or Diaby.' 

Arsenal have moved into second in the Premier League following a run seven straight wins. 

They are seven points adrift of leaders Chelsea and host Jose Mourinho's men at the Emirates later this month. 

'They have a difficult schedule,' said Wenger of the league leaders. 'What we can only do is master our own schedule. 

'What we want is to go as high as we can until the end of the season, give our best and we are also in the semi-final of the FA Cup. We are at an important moment of the Premier League season and it is a period where you show your quality by focusing on the next game and maintain the quality.'