Arsene Wenger has explained why Jack Wilshere isn’t currently getting into Arsenal’s Premier League starting XI.

Wenger has revealed that Wilshere isn’t getting starts in the league at the moment because Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are in his way. The boss believes the 25-year-old should be played in a more advanced role, which is currently occupied by either the Chilean or former Real Madrid ace.

“In my head, he’s more a little bit higher up [the field],” Wenger said ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Red Star Belgrade. “I see him more a player who can affect the game in the final third than a player who is a box-to-box player.

“He’s a little bit in conflict in this position with Ozil and Sanchez. I believe he can as well play in midfield in a 4-2-3-1, he can play midfield in a 4-3-3. In the system we play, I see him a bit more advanced.”

Wilshere has now made five first team appearances for the Gunners and is looking sharp. However, with less than a year left on his current deal, there’s one question on most Gooners’ lips: is he staying?

Wenger claims this will be decided in December.

“That [will] be decided in December,” Wenger said. “I wanted to give him six months not to think about that and see where we go. He was determined and ready to be in the dark at the start and work hard.

“Now he feels as well that he has found that little bit of sharpness that is decided in the first two yards.”

He added, “You always think even if he comes on he can give you a little trick or a little dribble. Jack has a quality that is very difficult to get together.

“He can dribble and he can as well give the final ball. You don’t find that a lot in the same player.”

jack wilshere v doncaster rovers
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 20: Jack Wilshere of Arsenal in action during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Doncaster Rovers at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Wilshere’s a fan favourite and I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say that I genuinely hope the midfielder stays. With Alexis and Ozil both potentially leaving either in January or on a free at the end of the season, it could finally be the Englishman’s time to shine.

Perhaps this is what the boss is waiting for.

At the moment, however, the main thing is keeping Wilshere fit. He’s been working hard to get back to where he was and he’s been impressive from what we’ve seen. All he needs now is consistency.