Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes midfielder Jack Wilshere will be offered a new deal to ensure he stays at the Emirates Stadium past next summer.

The England international spent last season out on loan with Bournemouth in pursuit of more playing time after being given no assurances from manager Arsene Wenger on his chances of first-team football, but his campaign was cut short with injury and he lost his place in the side through poor form.

Wilshere’s deal expires in the summer of 2018 and the lack of game time in an Arsenal shirt in recent seasons has many doubting he has a future at the club. However, Keown thinks otherwise and believes Wenger will keep him at the club due to his outstanding ability, regardless of his injury problems.

“We know Jack is a special talent. His injuries have marred his career. It must be tough for Arsene Wenger to watch. How many times has he broken ankles and had operations?” he told the Mirror, reports Goal.

“His quality isn’t in doubt, it’s his health that’s the issue. There are some big decisions to be made but I would feel he is someone Wenger would try to keep. Somebody that he will try to support.

“They certainly will offer him a new contract.”