Jack Wilshere to be offered new Arsenal contract in January

Jack Wilshere is reported to be celebrating for a number of reasons on New Year’s Day. As well as toasting his 25^th birthday, the Sun on Sunday are claiming that the midfielder could be offered a new Arsenal contract before the January transfer window closes.

Arsenal will be looking to stave off any interest from rival clubs given Wilshere’s impressive form at loan-club Bournemouth. The midfielder is expected to receive an extension to his current deal which runs out in the summer of 2018.

Wilshere has been instrumental in all seven of Bournemouth’s Premier League wins this term. He produced another assured display in the Cherries’ 3-0 win over Swansea on Saturday.

Jack Wilshere's game by numbers vs. Swansea:

100% take-ons
100% aerial duels won
51 passes
2 chances created
2 interceptions

Bossed it. pic.twitter.com/VDO4PwoOKC

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 31, 2016

Many were surprised when Arsenal allowed the highly-rated midfielder to move temporarily to Dean Court in the summer. However, having played just 141 minutes of Premier League football last season, manager Arsène Wenger felt a loan move was needed to revive his career.

Few can argue with Wenger’s judgement. Wilshere has been a revelation for Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth. Wenger is well aware of the midfielder’s ability, so the fact that he has dictated games will come as no surprise. More pleasing for the Frenchman is Wilshere’s playing time and remaining injury free – he has made 15 appearances since the August deadline day move.

If confirmed, the new contract offer caps a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for Wilshere. His Arsenal career appeared over at the end of August, yet now the 25-year-old looks to have secured his future at the Emirates. What’s more, Wilshere was dropped from the England squad after being shipped on loan to the south coast, but has since been recalled to the national set-up.

It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old wishes to return to fight for his place in Arsenal’s starting XI next season. Other clubs are sure to be interested, but Wilshere is renowned for his support of the Gunners. He has caused controversy in the past with slurs towards London rivals Tottenham.