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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger intends to keep Jack Wilshere this season

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 16 August 2017

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says that he plans on keeping Jack Wilshere this season amid reports that Aston Villa want to sign the midfielder.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has claimed that he intends to keep Jack Wilshere at the club this season.

The midfielder's current contract expires next summer, and it is uncertain whether he will be offered a new one.

The 25-year-old's injury woes have restricted him to just 19 Premier League appearances for the Gunners over the past three seasons, but he spent the most recent campaign on loan at Bournemouth, where he featured 27 times in the top flight.

Recent media speculation has suggested that Italian clubs Sampdoria and Juventus are interested in signing Wilshere, while Aston Villa are also believed to be keen on a deal.

From Wenger's point of view, though, he is looking forward to welcoming the midfielder back into the fold following his recovery from a broken leg, which he suffered at the end of last season.

"Well, for him it's good that he's back and available. I think he needs games now," talkSPORT quotes Wenger as saying.

"He might play again on Monday night [for Arsenal's Under-23s] but overall, what is important for him is the natural progression to be completely fit. He is not far away now. I think I plan for him to be here for the whole season, after we will see at the end of the season."

Wilshere has won two FA Cups during his time at Arsenal.