Arsenal are set to open contract talks with Jack Wilshere according to a recent report that also claims the club will not give Santi Cazorla a new deal.

Wilshere is out of contract in 2018 and there has been much speculation regarding his future, thanks in no small part to the interviews he’s given since leaving on loan. Most would believe that his long-term future lies at the Emirates, however.

Jack will not be involved this weekend when Bournemouth come to the Emirates but he will no doubt enjoy a brief return to Arsenal with his teammates. It is likely he will travel with the squad.

It is by no means a foregone conclusion that Arsenal will get Jack to sign a new deal if they are offering him one (I’m inclined to think that they are). He will need to be assured of a starting role in the side, but that shouldn’t be a problem as long as he maintains his fitness.

Arsene Wenger is a massive fan of the Englishman and would love nothing more than to see an Arsenal product at the heart of his midfield.

Also, it has to be noted that Santi Cazorla is out of contract in the summer and has not yet been offered a new deal which would seem to indicate the club are considering allowing him to leave, something the report linked above is much firmer on (states they will not offer him one).

It would be a strange move from the club, but could indicate that they have concerns over his ability to stay fit in the long term. Now 31, he has missed 79 days and 16 games over the last two seasons with an Achilles problem that is showing no signs of healing (he recently went to see a specialist surgeon). Factor in his knee injury and Santi has missed 177 days and 36 games in the last season and a bit.

I don’t know any fans who would not be gutted if they were to let Santi leave in the summer, so let’s just hold tight on this one and see what happens.

It’s only just over one month until he can start talking with foreign clubs…

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