Arsenal yet to offer new contract to Jack Wilshere with midfielder set to enter final six months of current deal

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Jack Wilshere is set to enter the final six months of his Arsenal contract without the offer of an extension.

The clamour for the midfielder to be handed regular first team football intensified on Thursday night as he scored his first goal since May 2015 in the win over BATE Borisov.

Nevertheless, Arsenal are yet to offer the talented playmaker a new deal, plunging Wilshere’s future into further uncertainty.

Arsenal face losing Jack Wilshere for nothing at the end of the season when his deal expires

Indeed, Sportsmail understand the Gunners have not tried to initiate discussions with the midfielder despite the very real prospect of losing the fans favourite for nothing at the end of the season.

The north London club’s stance is in stark contrast to that of Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey’s situations; both players already approached about new deals despite having 12 months longer to run on their deals.

If Wilshere does not sign a new Arsenal contract within the next 23 days — which looks almost certain — the academy graduate will be free to open negotiations with overseas clubs over a summer Bosman move.

Manager Arsene Wenger said last month that he wanted Wilshere’s contractual situation resolved by the end of December, a scenario that now looks very unlikely.

Arsene Wenger said he wanted Wilshere's contract situation resolved by the end of December

The lack of movement over a new contract paints a bleak picture in regards to Wilshere's long-term future at the Emirates.

The former Bolton and Bournemouth star is not ruling out the possibility of signing a new deal at Arsenal despite the current lack of progress.

But his current deal, which is worth close to £100,000-per-week, is likely to prove a stumbling block towards any extension.

Wilshere’s future is further complicated by his ambitions to break into England’ s World Cup squad over the next six months.

Knowing he is unlikely to play regularly enough to break into Gareth Southgate’ s plans under Wenger, the midfielder could consider a move away in January.

Wilshere scored his first goal since May 2015 in the 6-0 win over BATE Borisov on Thursday

A loan move could suit Wilshere, but a temporary switch would make little economic sense to Arsenal given he has just six months on his deal.

If Wilshere is to leave the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal would prefer to recoup a fee on a permanent deal.

Should Wilshere’s 16 year association with Arsenal come to an end, it is understood he’d prefer to stay in the south of England.

West Ham and Crystal Palace both have a concrete interest in Wilshere and could launch moves in January or on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.