Wenger all but confirms new Arsenal deal for Jack Wilshere

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has lavished praise on Jack Wilshere, admitting the midfielder may be nearing a new contract with the Gunners.

Wilshere played his part in Friday night’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool, the academy graduate – out of contract in the summer – starting his third Premier League match in succession for the club.

Asked if Wilshere’s new deal may be completed in the next few weeks, Wenger replied: “It might, we’ll see.

“I think we had four players tonight who had graduated from our academy. Basically we want to keep these players.

“He’s better now than he was in the last two to three years, it’s positive overall, he’s in good shape at the moment.”

Wenger also confirmed Nacho Monreal had sustained an ankle injury and looks likely to face a period on the sidelines.

“For Monreal, it’s an ankle problem,” said Wenger.

Discussing the match, the Frenchman admitted the Gunners had been poor for long periods n the first half, but insisted on giving the credit to the creative players.

“We played frozen with fear and not at our level in the first half,” Wenger said. “In the second half we played at our level. It was a thrilling game. I am frustrated at not winning but that is the type of game you want in the Premier League.

“The good thing is that overall we did not give up. The spirit is fantastic. On that front I am proud of the players. It shows a strong mentality. We have the capacity to respond. What you want is for the team to realise that we have to start from the first minute.

“They knew that Liverpool had pace up front and maybe when you prepare for a game you want players to be ready but you make the opponent too big in the heads of your players.

“More for people who love football, let’s give credit to the creative force. If you have no shots on goal the defences look good but that is not what people want to see.

 

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