Jack Wilshere is well into the final year of his contract currently, and has so far failed to agree new terms to extend his stay at Arsenal.
The midfielder has been a Gunner his whole career, and had he never sustained any injuries, he would no doubt be our captain and main midfield star.
Unfortunately he has fallen foul of a number of injuries in previous seasons, but does seem to have turned a corner during this campaign, although he was nursed back to injury in the earlier months of the term.
Wilshere is now a shoo-in for the England international squad for the World Cup (should he remain fit), and is amongst our most consistent performers at present.
Jack is supposedly considering an offer from the club, which is claimed to include a reduced weekly wage, with the improved appearance bonuses in order to protect the club from any future injuries, but he is yet to agree to such a deal.
Juventus and Liverpool are now speculated to hold an interest in signing our former youth product, who will be available on a free transfer should we fail to agree terms.
Arsenal appear to be playing a dangerous game once again where it comes to player contracts, having already endured a frustrating 12-18 months while trying to play hard-ball with both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, and we will have to count ourselves lucky with the way that finally resolved.
Personally I don’t believe Jack should have to sign reduced terms having watched him impress in outing after outing this season, and I would be very annoyed if our negotiation team allowed to let such an influential player leave on a free transfer.
Wilshere should be our club captain, and we have to learn to manage him and his fitness.
Can Arsenal afford to lose Wilshere on a free transfer? Do you agree that he should be our captain? Is our club crazy to try and force him to sign reduced terms just because he loves Arsenal?
Pat J