Jack Wilshere has admitted that his future may lie away from Arsenal, amid reports that AC Milan are interested in the England international.
Wilshere was reportedly a summer target for Serie A giants AC Milan, but the Arsenal youth product turned down the opportunity to move to Italy and instead joined Bournemouth on loan.
Roma were also reportedly interested in Wilshere, but the Englishman opted to work his way back to full fitness and prove his qualities under Eddie Howe. The midfielder’s latest comments have given rise to fresh speculation regarding his future with Arsenal.
“I love Arsenal and I can still see myself playing there but, as well, who knows what the future holds,” Wilshere is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.
“I have got a year left when I go back there. I have improved as a player and Arsenal if want me back and then we will see where we go from there. But if there comes a time when I have to leave, then I have to leave. If I go back and I’m still not playing then I will have to think about things.”
Wilshere’s current Arsenal contract runs until 2018, and there has been no real news yet as to whether the Gunners will offer him a new one. Arsenal are also well stocked in midfield, with the arrivals of Granit Xhaka in the summer and Mohamed Elneny in January adding depth to the side. As such, Wilshere may find playing time hard to come by and could decide to move on.
According to Calciomercato, AC Milan will be waiting to see what decision he makes and could launch a bid for the 24-year-old. The report claims that with the arrival of new owners Sino Sports-Europe, Milan will have the financial means to both convince Arsenal to sell and tempt Wilshere with a lucrative contract. The midfielder admitted earlier in the season that Milan’s representatives had contacted him, but he was unsure that they were truly interested in him.
It remains to be seen how this plays out, but speculation is expected to continue to grow as the season progresses and his contract gradually winds down.
