Arsenal transfer news: Jack Wilshere hints at Gunners stay

Jack Wilshere has dropped a huge hint that he is ready to sign a new deal with Arsenal.

The England international is a free agent at the end of this season, and there has been much speculation recently that the 26-year-old might move on to pastures new after a decade at the club.

Newcastle and West Ham are among the clubs linked to Wilshere, but since winning back his place in the side, the noises from Arsenal suggest that the Gunners want to keep hold of their local playmaker.

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That feeling appears to be reciprocal, with Wilshere posting a New Year message on social media that read: “If 2017 has taught me anything it would be NEVER GIVE UP!!! Love playing for this club and long may it continue. Looking forward to 2018.”

According to goal.com, the use of the phrase “long may it continue” is Wilshere’s way of letting the Arsenal board know he is ready to pen a new deal when his current contract expires.

Arsene Wenger certainly seems keen to keep Wilshere. Following the midfielder’s impressive display in last week’s win at Crystal Palace, the Arsenal manager said: “We need to sit down with [Jack]. Beginning of January, it’s planned. There is no delay.”

Meanwhile, the team meet Chelsea tomorrow in the Premier League, and it may be an opportunity for the Gunners to have a word with their London rivals about the availability of David Luiz.

Arsenal are “the leading candidates” to sign Luiz now that the Brazil international has fallen out of favour with Antonio Conte, Metro reports.

The 30-year-old former PSG defender had been linked with Real Madrid, but it’s claimed that he would prefer to remain in London rather than uproot himself once more.