Following Arsenal’s comfortable 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day, Arsene Wenger looked ahead to his side’s clash two days later away to Bournemouth.

Naturally, since Jack Wilshere is on loan with the Cherries and is out of contract in 18 months, the boss was asked whether the midfielder had been approached over a new deal yet.

Wenger has always made it clear that he wants the 25-year-old to stay in north London. He’s doing well on loan, becoming a regular starter in Eddie Howe’s side, and shining in his recent appearances.

Despite this, Wenger also knows when to back off, recently claiming that not had been discussed with Jack contract-wise yet but he was aiming to before the summer. Recent reports claim that the deal could be done this month.

“Of course [Arsenal will offer him a new contract],” the boss said during his presser ahead of our Bournemouth clash back in November, which we won 3-1.

“Ideally [it will be addressed before next summer].

“We have to plan around the new year.”

If the club are keen to tie Jack down to a new deal, this could mean that Santi Cazorla, who’s out of contract at the end of the season, might be heading for the exit.