Arsene Wenger: Jack Wilshere remains 'completely focused' on Arsenal
The midfielder faces an uncertain future in north London, with his current contract set to expire in the summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsene Wenger has insisted that Jack Wilshere remains “completely focused” on Arsenal and insisted it was vital the club offered him a deal that “makes him happy”.
The midfielder faces an uncertain future in north London, with his current contract set to expire in the summer.
As Arsenal work to secure the signings of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Alexis Sanchez set to join Manchester United, Wenger reiterated his desire to hold on to Wilshere amid speculation linking him with a summer exit.
“I see him here because he is an Arsenal man,” the Frenchman said. “He was here at the age of ten and I believe as well he’s not only been here for a long time but he has some leadership qualities. He has a football brain.
“He is completely focused on Arsenal. The fact that he has been away and come back … he realises as well that life here is not so bad maybe. That is something that is important that he can be one of the leaders in the future.
He added: “Who would question his love and commitment for the club? Nobody. We have to find an agreement that makes him happy and the wish that in the future he remains fit.
When asked how the 26-year-old has evolved as a player since returning from his season-long loan at Bournemouth, Wenger responded: “He is much more patient and mature. He analyses better. Before his desire to play was the only thing that mattered. Today he can analyse better. Is he fit or not fit? What is he to do?
“He has a lot of prevention to do and he does that religiously now. Before he was a bit more ‘my body can take that’ like we all are when we are 20 years old.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments