Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere welcomes new family member amid continued uncertainty over his future

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He may be deemed surplus to requirements at Arsenal, but midfielder Jack Wilshere is still loved when it comes to family pets with the 25-year-old posting his new puppy on Instagram.

With his contract expiring in less than 12 months, Wilshere could leave the Emirates Stadium this summer with the club yet to offer him a new deal following a season-long loan spell at Bournemouth.

Despite featuring on 27 occasions on the south coast, Cherries boss Eddie Howe has decided not to revisit the possibility of signing the player, and it is unlikely he will make a significant impact at Arsenal this term.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere takes a selfie with his new puppy Winston in his home

Wilshere has been out of action since April when he fractured his leg but he is close to a return

Wilshere is aiming to get match fit as soon as possible so he can play competitively again

But Wilshere put his uncertain future to one side on Thursday as he took time out to lounge on his sofa alongside his 'new family member' - Winston Wilshere.

The cute Bulldog puppy is pictured fast asleep as Wilshere's shows his love for his new canine friend having spent the morning training at London Colney. 

The canine arrival comes as a further boost for the defensive midfielder after he stepped up his fitness following a return last month from a broken leg sustained against Tottenham in April.

Wilshere played his first game in an Arsenal shirt for nearly a year as the club's Under-23 side faced Derby County in the Premier League 2 competition last Monday. 

Wilshere played 27 times for Bournemouth last season before fracturing his leg at Tottenham

The England international could yet be sent out on loan this season for regular football

The player completed 75 minutes at St George's Park, but he is unlikely to be used at Stoke despite the manager opening the door to him staying this term. 

Wenger said: 'It's good that he is back and available. I think he needs games now. He might play again on Monday night [against Manchester City Under 23s]. He is not far away now [from being completely fit].

'I plan for him to be here for the season, after we will see.'

Aston Villa were linked to the England international, but manager Steve Bruce played down a move following his side's 2-1 defeat by Reading this week. 

Arsenal have a relatively clean bill of health heading into their second Premier League outing this campaign, with only Alexis Sanchez (abdominal injury) and Santi Cazorla (heel) absent alongside the suspended Laurent Koscielny.