Arsenal: Jack Wilshere fully deserving of what he wants

Jack Wilshere has stated that he wants to stay at Arsenal and sign a new contract. His performances this season are deserving of exactly that.

While the contract craziness at Arsenal football club may focus on Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez — to some extent, that is justified, given their talent and their importance –, there are other players who face an equally uncertain future.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast here

One of those players is Jack Wilshere, who returned to North London after an underwhelming loan season at Bournemouth with a broken leg, no sure place in the squad, and just a year remaining on his contract. Unlike Ozil and Sanchez, however, although his future may not be clear, there is no ambiguity regarding what Wilshere wants to happen.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Here is the midfielder speaking to Sky Sports before Friday night’s crucial game against Liverpool. What he has to say is very interesting indeed, especially given the honesty and directness of his comments.

"“I definitely want to be here. I’m enjoying my football and I love playing in the Premier League now and I want to help Arsenal get to where they should be. We just have to sort things out and I’m sure that will happen in the next couple of weeks and it will be sorted. The biggest thing for any footballer, and even more so for me because of the games missed in the past, is that you are playing. Apart from that, there’s [sic] small things to sort out but as long as I’m playing then I’m happy. I’ve missed too much football and I just want to be playing.”"

Wilshere wants to stay. That much is certain. In fact, he even reveals his expectation that a new deal can be agreed upon. And I believe that Arsene Wenger should give Wilshere what he wants. In the six months that he has been back in North London, his commitment, his attitude, and his performances have merited as much.

Wilshere did not complain about another injury, at least not publicly, anyway. He did not kick up a fuss about his restricted Premier League minutes. He did exactly what Wenger would have wanted: Work hard and prove himself fit and sharp in the opportunities that he was given, in training, in the Carabao Cup, and in the Europa League. He did exactly that.

And now, thanks to an inopportune Aaron Ramsey hamstring injury, Wilshere is enjoying a chance to play in the Premier League. He has started Arsenal’s last two league fixtures, playing all 180 minutes, and is anticipated to feature against Liverpool on Friday night. There is very little more that Wilshere could have done this season to earn a new contract.

Next: Arsenal Vs Liverpool: 5 key players to watch

It is time for Wenger to give him what he wants. He may still have to fight for league minutes. That will always be the case in a highly competitive environment. But his future, for now, should be secured. Wilshere should be an Arsenal player. He deserves it.