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Jack Wilshere returned to training at London Colney earlier this week
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JACK AND BEYOND

Jack Wilshere wants to stay and fight for Arsenal place with West Ham and host of Italian sides interested in him

JACK WILSHERE wants to stay and fight for his place at Arsenal, with the midfielder determined to overcome the injury hell that has dogged his career.

The Gunners middle man, 25, spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and has returned to training this week from a broken leg.

 Jack Wilshere returned to training at London Colney earlier this week
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Jack Wilshere returned to training at London Colney earlier this weekCredit: Getty
 Jack Wilshere takes on Mesut Ozil in training for Arsenal
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Jack Wilshere takes on Mesut Ozil in training for ArsenalCredit: Getty

Wilshere has not been offered a new contract by Arsenal and his current agreement expires next summer, like Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil.

Arsene Wenger switched Arsenal to a 3-4-3 formation at the end of last season as his side went on to win the FA Cup and just miss out on Champions League football for the first time since 1997.

According to the Telegraph, Wilshere is determined to win his place back in the side with Aaron Ramsey, Granit Xhaka, Francis Coquelin and Mohamed Elneny standing in his way.

Wilshere may not see those players as too big of an obstacle for regular first-team football though, and Arsenal also have the added complication of Europa League football to contend with this season.

But with the carrot of a potential place in England's World Cup squad next summer, Wilshere is determined to step-up his fitness levels and make it into Gareth Southgate's squad - should the Three Lions complete their likely qualification.

Stevenage-born Wilshere made his breakthrough in the 2010/11 season for Arsenal as a teenager.

 Jack Wilshere has been out since April when he broke his leg playing for Bournemouth
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Jack Wilshere has been out since April when he broke his leg playing for BournemouthCredit: Rex Features
 Jack Wilshere had to wear a protective boot while he overcame his broken leg
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Jack Wilshere had to wear a protective boot while he overcame his broken legCredit: Rex Features
 Jack Wilshere played in England's World Cup campaign in 2014 and has not played since 2016
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Jack Wilshere played in England's World Cup campaign in 2014 and has not played since 2016Credit: PA:Press Association
 Jack Wilshere holds the FA Cup for Arsenal
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Jack Wilshere holds the FA Cup for ArsenalCredit: The Sun

But injury issues have slowly plagued a career that showed so much promise.

After many false starts, he had been farmed out to Eddie Howe's Cherries on the South Coast.

But he broke his leg in April and was ruled out of the end of Bournemouth's Premier League season.

If he is farmed out on loan again, Wilshere is keen to stay in London, with West Ham his preferred destination.

Although a host of Italian clubs are also interested in signing him, including Sampdoria.


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