Jack Wilshere reveals Arsenal have yet to organise a meeting to extend his contract at the Emirates: 'There's not really a date in the diary'

Jack Wilshere says there is not yet any date in the diary for talks with Arsenal, despite Arsene Wenger having said they will hold a meeting this month.

Wilshere, who was handed his first Premier League start since May 2016 on Wednesday night, is waiting for his boss to call, with his contract expiring at the end of this season.


Arsenal drew 0-0 with West Ham at the London Stadium and now sit seventh in the table but Wilshere, 25, was pleased to finally see his name on the team sheet.

Jack Wilshere is free to talk to other clubs in January with his deal set to expire in the summer

Jack Wilshere is free to talk to other clubs in January with his deal set to expire in the summer

‘We’re in the same position as we were two weeks ago,’ Wilshere said of his contract. ‘Nothing’s changed.

‘There’s not really a date in the diary. I’ve only read what he (Wenger) has said in the media. I’ve just played my first game in the Premier League, I’m concentrating on staying fit and staying in this team.

‘That will look after itself. When it’s the right time to talk about it, I’m sure the boss will call me and we will have a chat.

‘I’m happy. I was ready, I was just waiting for my opportunity. It came (on Wednesday) and I think I took it on well.

Wilshere made his first Premier League start since May 2016 in the goalless draw at West Ham

Wilshere made his first Premier League start since May 2016 in the goalless draw at West Ham

‘It’s different in the Premier League to Europa League. You don’t get that much time on the ball. When you receive it, you’ve always got to check your shoulder because there isn’t much space against teams like this in behind the midfield where I like to play.

‘I’m happy with the 90 minutes. Unfortunately we didn’t win and it would have been better if we did win, but I’m happy with it.

‘I enjoyed playing in midfield and hopefully I’ll get some more opportunities.’

Arsene Wenger had said Arsenal would meet with Wilshere this month to discuss a new deal

Arsene Wenger had said Arsenal would meet with Wilshere this month to discuss a new deal

Asked if he was frustrated by the lack of progress, Wilshere hesitated then said: ‘Not really because I’ve just got my first Premier League start, I’m buzzing, I’m happy about that.

‘That’s the next step for me – to get into this Premier League team and try to stay in this team.

‘There’s another game on Saturday (against Newcastle), we’ll see what the boss does, and at the moment that’s all I’m focused on.

‘This time of the year is probably the most important time of the season. The games come thick and fast. That’s a good thing as well because we dropped points (at West Ham) but we’ve got a chance to get three points on Saturday.’