Arsenal make Jack Wilshere contract offer
EXCLUSIVE | By Arsenal correspondent Tony Hughes
Arsenal have offered Jack Wilshere a new contract as they attempt to tie him down to a new deal this summer,
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sources understand.
The Gunners have told Wilshere's camp in preliminary negotiations they are willing to hand him an extended deal that includes a substantial pay rise. Wilshere has three years to run on his existing £90,000-a-week package but Arsenal are keen to avoid a situation where he could be antagonised into pushing for a move.
and he is also being linked with their neighbours Manchester City. However,
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understands that Arsenal have no intention of cashing in on their youth Academy graduate and will reject any bids for him. Manager
despite some off-field controversies and the series of serious injuries that have stalled his progress since his breakthrough 2010-11 campaign. The 23-year-old is seeking a deal that lifts his current agreement in line with fellow midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who signed a £110,000-a-week contract 15 months ago. United are interested in Wilshere as they assess options to reinvigorate their central midfield, with manager Louis van Gaal keen to sign a top-quality midfielder this summer. The two-goal star of England's recent win over Slovenia is deemed to be a realistic target.
The England international has come to United’s attention because he is still only 23, has his best years ahead of him and there is a feeling that he might need a fresh challenge and a move away from the London bubble. One concern might be his injury record, although Arsenal will refute all offers, including any over £30million, for a player who joined the club as an eight-year-old. Wilshere made just 23 Arsenal appearances last season and was sidelined by the latest in a series of ankle injuries for nearly six months.