Jack Wilshere set for new Arsenal contract as Arsene Wenger finally believes the England midfielder has beaten injury woe
Fit-again star has persuaded the Gunners boss he can get back his best form after proving he can play three games
ARSENE WENGER has finally given the green light for Arsenal to hand Jack Wilshere a new long-term contract.
The Gunners boss has held off from offering a deal because of doubts about the England midfielder’s injury record.
But now he has told negotiator Huss Fahmy to sort out an agreement with Wilshere, who is 26 on New Year’s Day.
Wenger feared that the player had lost his edge after an unsuccessful season on loan at Bournemouth and was prepared to listen to offers for him last summer.
But he has been impressed by the maturity and determination Wilshere has shown since returning to the Emirates.
And he has completed the first half of the season injury-free and been able to play three games a week.
Wilshere, who has missed more than three years of football with ankle and knee problems, is out of contract in the summer and can talk to foreign clubs from next week.
But he has always said he wants to stay at Arsenal, whom he joined as a nine-year-old.
JACK THE DAD Arsenal star Jack Wilshere to become dad for third time in Christmas announcement with new wife Andriani Michael
There has been growing interest from AC Milan as well as Premier League rivals, including Everton, West Ham and Newcastle.
With Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil also in the final six months of their contracts, a deal with Wilshere could help to end uncertainty at the club.
He is currently paid £90,000 a week and will be looking for at least three years on £120,000 from his next contract.
Talk of a new deal will complete an extra-special Christmas for Wilshere.
He announced on Christmas Day he is to become a father for the third time, after marrying long-term partner Adriani Michael in June.
Wilshere, who has two children with his previous partner, said on Instagram: “Merry Christmas to you and your family's from me and my family."
Wenger has been especially pleased with Wilshere's form this month.
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And after last week's home 3-3 draw with Liverpool the Frenchman said: "He was one of the players who played with quality in the first half, with determination
“You know Jack, he is never frozen. What he did in the second half I liked.
"He is better than the last two or three years.”
