I want to stay at Arsenal as I love this club so much, says Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere has insisted he sees his long-term future at Arsenal.

The 25-year-old has entered the final year of his contract and the club are yet to offer him an extension, with manager Arsene Wenger challenging Wilshere to prove his form and fitness.

He did both last night by playing a starring role in the Gunners’ 4-2 victory over BATE Borisov.

It was Wilshere’s first European start in almost three years and only the second time he has completed 90 minutes since returning from a fractured leg he sustained in April while on a season’s loan at Bournemouth.

No contract talks have been scheduled as yet, with both parties waiting to see how things progress over the coming months, but Wilshere told Standard Sport: “Do I see myself staying? Of course I do. I have always been at Arsenal. I love this club. They have been good to me over the years. Me and the boss have a great relationship. He played me since I was 17. He put his trust in me since then, so we have a great understanding. We are in contact all the time and I want to stay.

“You are always playing for your future but I am happy to be back. I am happy to feel part of the squad. It has been a while. You forget, last year I was at Bournemouth, the year before that I was injured, so it has been a while since I felt like a proper Arsenal player.

“But now I am back training, back in the squad, I’m playing these types of games, so I feel good. I am doing everything I can to stay fit, training well and we’ll see. I’m taking each game as it comes. Another game Sunday, then League Cup and more Europa League games, so I am happy.

“Of course, it is going to be a big decision. It is my future. Now is not the right time. I’m fit, I’m healthy, I’m enjoying my football and getting back to my best. When the time is right, we will sit down.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal have announced pre-tax profits of £44.6million for the financial year ending May 31, 2017. The Gunners’ turnover stood at a record £422.8m, breaking the £400m barrier for the first time, due chiefly to an extra £58m from the Premier League’s latest television deal.