Arsenal Transfer News: Arsene Wenger Talks Jack Wilshere Contract Offer

Arsene Wenger said he expects Jack Wilshere to make a decision about his future at Arsenal before the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia gets under way this June.

Wenger confirmed the England international has an offer on the table but is yet to make a decision, per James Olley of the London Evening Standard:

The Arsenal manager also said there is no immediate rush for Wilshere to make up his mind:

Wenger may be prepared to preach patience, but rumours are growing that Wilshere, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is ready to quit the Gunners amid interest from a host of other clubs.

Those keen on the midfielder include Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City, according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

Cross reported the Toffees have already approached Wilshere with a lucrative deal, while he also named recently promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers, along with Serie A duo AC Milan and Juventus, as potential suitors.

Such a lengthy queue forming makes sense since Wilshere is a technical marvel when at his best. The 26-year-old has the touch, vision, close control and dribbling skills to exert considerable influence in the final third.

Injuries have usually prevented him from being the match-winner he should be. He has missed a host of games since making his debut in September 2008.

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Wilshere's sketchy fitness record is why the Gunners have offered the playmaker reduced terms at £90,000 per week, instead of his usual wage of £110,000, per Cross. The report also noted how Arsenal "will not budge on the offer, which includes big incentive clauses linked to success and appearances."

Offering a contract with payments based on appearances is a smart policy with a player who has missed so much time and spent the 2016/17 season on loan at Bournemouth.

Wilshere earned a rare league start in December away to West Ham United. Football writer Tom Williams summed up how often the midfield man has been missing for his parent club:

Fitness continues to be a problem for Wilshere, who is currently carrying another injury, according to ESPN FC's Ben Dinnery:

Even at full fitness, Wilshere hasn't always convinced he can be the creator supreme his potential once promised.

Among his fiercest critics is ITV pundit Roy Keane, who took the 26-year-old to task after Arsenal's recent 2-2 draw at CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final second leg.

The former Manchester United skipper offered this scathing assessment, per Richard Forrester of The Sun:

"You need to be fit if you're a top level footballer, and every time I see him he's getting treatment or he's carrying a knock. I've never been a big fan of his, for an attacking player he doesn't get enough goals or assists."

It's hard to disagree, especially when Wilshere has only tallied two goals and three assists, despite making 35 appearances in all competitions during this campaign.

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Keane is no fan, but Wenger remains an admirer of Wilshere's ability and promise. Ironically, the manager's own future could have the biggest impact on the player's decision.

Wenger is not a lock to still be in charge next season, with Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph having reported the Frenchman will be replaced even if Arsenal win the UEFA Europa League.

The uncertainty surrounding Wilshere mirrors the general state of play at Arsenal in 2018. There's no doubt the gifted No. 10 can be an asset, but his struggles for consistency and fitness may make this the ideal time for club and player to part ways.