Jack Wilshere reportedly refused to sign a new deal with Arsenal this summer despite having under a year left on his current contract.

While many assumed that it was Arsenal holding out on offering Wilshere a new contract this summer, the Mirror (who credit the Sun) claim that it was the other way around.

The 25-year-old has reportedly turned down a new deal with the Gunners and will therefore leave for free next year.

The midfielder made his first senior start of the season in the League Cup against Doncaster Rovers and had an impressive first half. He proved that he’d lost none of his sharpness and is ready to fight for a regular place in the starting XI.

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)

West Ham, the team Wilshere supported as a child, have been linked with a move for the midfielder, as have Fenerbahce.

Arsene Wenger recently admitted that there are no talks over a new deal for the Englishman currently taking place. However, obviously he didn’t mentioned that Wilshere has allegedly already rejected one.

“It is down to the fact—and I have said this many times—that he can remain fit or not. He’s an Arsenal man and an Arsenal player,” Wenger said ahead of Arsenal’s Monday night clash with West Brom at the Emirates.

“He would certainly like to stay, but we haven’t spoken about that, because at the start of the season I thought we had to see how it evolves and see what kind of influence he can have in the squad through the whole season.”

If Wilshere does decide to leave next year, I imagine it won’t be an easy decision given that he’s come through the academy, joining the club at the age of nine.

However, if you’re anything like me, you just want to best for the lad. It’ll be a pity if he doesn’t see that happening at Arsenal.