Ray Parlour optimistic over Jack Wilshere stay

Arsenal legend Ray Parlour is hoping that Jack Wilshere extends his Gunners contract beyond the current month. The England international has been in a contract standoff with the Gunners since December but recent reports have suggested that he could sign a fresh three-year contract depending on the outcome of his meeting with new boss Unai Emery.

A number of former Arsenal players have urged Wilshere to extend his decade-long say with the club and Parlour opined similarly whilst speaking to Arseblog. During the official launch of the Gunners’ away kit for next season, he said: “I hope he stays, I really do. Like me, he came through the ranks and I think it’s always good to have players in your squad who have come through the system.

“But it’s all down to Jack Wilshere, he’s the man that’s going to make that final decision. I’m sure plenty of clubs would be interested in Jack because he’s a tremendous player. Obviously injuries have held him back but that seems to be behind him now. We all know the qualities that he has. I’m hoping he’s got one of these shirts on next season!”

Wilshere has spent nearly a decade since making his debut for Arsenal in a Premier League game and during this period, he has succumbed to a number of injuries which have hampered his progress. As such, the Gunners board have not been eager to offer him a payrise on the contract proposal but they are prepared to assure him an extension during the most important phase of his career.

Wilshere looked lively during the first half of the 2017/18 season where he stood out in the Europa League but he could not quite maintain the scoring during the back end of the campaign where a couple of minor niggles crept doubts upon national team coach Gareth Southgate. Wilshere failed to make a single appearance during the Three Lions call-up in March with a minor knee problem and Southgate eventually decided against picking the midfielder for the summer World Cup.