Arsene Wenger has revealed he will keep Jack Wilshere at the club this season, with a view to integrating him into the first-team when he proves his fitness and form on the training ground.

Video courtesy of Arsenal.com

There has been a lot of speculation about the English international this summer with only 12 months on his deal, with AS Roma, AC Milan and Juventus being linked with his signature, while Newcastle United, West Ham United and Aston Villa have also been mentioned as suitors in the media, I recall.

While keen to keep Wilshere, I think Arsenal may let him go if the price is right, as there’s stiff competition for places and his injury record means he can’t be relied upon.

Wilshere has recently recovered from a fractured leg, suffered in April while he was on loan with Bournemouth. The initial move to the South Coast club was the midfielder’s idea, taking it upon himself to get regular first-team football in the Premier League after Wenger couldn’t guarantee him many minutes in the Arsenal side.

But his spell with the Cherries ended prematurely and with him being in and out of the team. Upon his return to Arsenal, it was reported that Wilshere would be a part of the Arsenal U23s to get his match fitness back to be eventually available for selection for the first-team. Wenger clearly has plans for the 25-year-old if he can prove himself, but getting into the side is another challenge.

The likes of Granit Xhaka, Aaron Ramsey, Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin are currently ahead of Wilshere in the pecking order, but he will have this season to try and force his way back into the reckoning.