Arsene Wenger challenges Jack Wilshere to show loyalty and sign new contract before Arsenal return

Clubs often insist players sign new contracts before they go out on loan to protect their value, but Wenger claims he made a “human” decision on Wilshere and will, instead, attempt to open talks over an extension in the new year – while the 24-year-old is still at Bournemouth.

Under the terms of his loan agreement, Wilshere cannot play for Bournemouth against Arsenal on Sunday.

“With Jack, it was a human case, rather than a calculated financial case,” said Wenger. “He’s been educated here since he was eight or nine years old and he has gone for years through difficult periods where he didn’t play.

“I felt honestly that if a guy who has been educated here has another season where he doesn’t play because I don’t give him the chance, because I have some players who are fitter than him, it would be unfair. It was not a mathematical decision.”

Wenger conceded that persuading Wilshere to sign a new contract while he was at Bournemouth could be difficult, but believes this is a chance for him to show his loyalty.

“I can assure you talks over a contract are always difficult and with Jack always difficult,” said Wenger. “The loan is a good compromise. He can show, like Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, his loyalty after.” 

Asked if he would understand if Wilshere decided to put his own career ahead of his loyalty for Arsenal, Wenger replied: “Why shouldn’t he show loyalty? Every player thinks about himself. It’s not because you are loyal that you don’t think about yourself.

“If he wants to go somewhere else you have to respect that as well. My feeling is I want him back. He always said he is an Arsenal man. If you only think about yourself, then you go where you like to be. He always said he was an Arsenal man.

“You have to respect decisions, we are in a world of professional people and to sign a contract you first have to want it.” 

One of the triggers for Wilshere’s loan was Arsenal’s £34 million signing of Granit Xhaka in the summer, but the midfielder has started only five Premier League games so far.

“If you look at Thierry Henry at the start when he came here, he was not playing,” said Wenger. “He did not play until November, he was as well 23 years old. We are in November – maybe we were in a bad period at the time.

“He [Xhaka] needs to adapt, then we need to find the balance. He needs to adapt to the way we play and the tactical pace of the English game. I am confident he will do very well.

“People want you to buy players, but when you buy them we only have 11 [on the pitch] and not 22, and they feel sorry for the 11 who do not play. But you want them to compete and convince you that they can get in the team. You will find plenty of players who cost more [than Xhaka] and don’t play.”