Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has said that he is no closer to extending his contract with the Gunners despite making his first Premier League start of the campaign.
Prior to the goalless draw at West Ham United, Wilshere had seen most of his gametime in the Cup competitions, but an injury to Aaron Ramsey allowed the 25-year-old to make his first start in nearly two years.
Wilshere who earns £90,000-a-week on his current contract, was lively over the course of the game, and he probably had one of the best chances in the game after Olivier Giroud headed the ball to his path only to hit a wayward shot with a right foot.
Speaking after the game, Wilshere stressed that the contractual negotiations are still at an initial stage, but he is hoping to have discussions with manager Arsene Wenger along the line.
“No, there’s no update on the contract – we’re in the same position as we were two weeks ago. There’s not really a date in the diary,” Wilshere told reporters, via Goal.com.
“I’ve only read what he’s [Wenger] said in the media. I’ve just played my first game in the Premier League, I’m concentrating on staying fit and staying in this team. That will look after itself. When it’s the right time to talk about it, I’m sure the boss will call me and we’ll have a chat.”
While the Gunners struggled to find a breakthrough past the Hammers, Wilshere was singled for special praise from Arsene Wenger, who admitted that the Englishman’s performance was ‘satisfying’ on the night.
Arsenal now turn their attention to Saturday’s league outing versus Newcastle, where they will expect to return to winning ways with Rafa Benitez’s side leaning towards the tail-end of the table.
Thereafter the Gunners are scheduled to play West Ham United once more in the League Cup, which remains the only domestic silverware, which the club have not won in the Arsene Wenger era.
