Wenger dismisses suggestion Arsenal should pay Wilshere more

© Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Arsene Wenger has dismissed suggestions that Arsenal should improve their offer to Jack Wilshere in order to secure his future at the club.

The England midfielder, whose contract expires this summer, has been offered a new deal.

However, that offer reportedly involves a significant drop in salary, prompting speculation that he could leave.

But Arsenal manager Wenger does not believe the club should simply offer Wilshere more money.

“If you think like that there are no limitations,” Wenger said. “I think everybody would agree that we pay players very well.”

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning, Wenger said there was no update on Wilshere and that no deadline has been set for him to make a decision.

But Wenger nevertheless believes Wilshere’s future will be resolved sooner rather than later – and is confident the player will end up staying.

“I cannot give you any news as I don’t really know what’s in his mind,” said Wenger.

“Until now he has not signed. He has an offer that is a long-term contract and we want him to stay,

“I hope that at some stage he will stay. I am always confident.

“He has the freedom to make that decision (without a deadline). He knows I want him to stay.

“I think he will make that decision (soon) as he will not want to go to the World Cup and not have settled his situation.”