Arsenal have reportedly rejected a bid for midfielder Jack Wilshere from Sampdoria and are requesting the asking price be met, according to an Italian journalist.

Sky Sport reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claims Sampdoria’s initial £6.2m bid to sign Wilshere has been knocked back by Arsenal as they want closer to £9m for his services this summer.

The 25-year-old looks set for a departure from the Emirates Stadium ahead of the new season, with injury problems and inconsistency having seen him fall down the pecking order at Arsenal.

Wilshere’s dip in recent years is likely to see him subsidiary if he remained in London, hence his loan move to Bournemouth last season. The England playmaker wants regular playing time and he will get that elsewhere but not with the Gunners.

This summer, West Ham United have been linked to the currently injured midfielder, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has somewhat kept the door open for an old favourite, saying:

“When he returns, he won’t be far from practising with the team. He has to work hard to come back and fight for a place in the team. I think Jack will be with Arsenal next season, yes.”