Jack Wilshere admits he is unsure over his long-term future at Arsenal

Posted Wednesday, November 09, 2016 by Skysports.com

Jack Wilshere admits he is unsure over his long-term future at Arsenal
Jack Wilshere wants to prove his worth to Arsenal when he returns next summer

Jack Wilshere admits he is unsure if he will ever play for Arsenal again.

The 24-year-old, who has been recalled for England after his impressive performances on loan at Bournemouth this season, says he does not know what the future holds beyond this term.

Wilshere insists a loan was the best option for him after Gunners boss Arsene Wenger failed to offer him first-team football guarantees, and believes Bournemouth's different approach is benefiting his fitness.

Despite his affection for Arsenal, having graduated from the club's academy, Wilshere admits there may come a time when he will have to consider leaving the club on a permanent basis.

"It's difficult for me to say because I love Arsenal and I've had great times there, and they've been great for me, and I can still see myself playing there.

"But who knows what the future holds? I've got a year left when I go back there.

"At the moment I'm just trying to have a season where it puts me in a good position at the end of the year, I'm improved as a player and Arsenal want me back, and we'll see where we go from there.

"I always thought to myself 'of course I love Arsenal' but if there comes a time where I have to leave, then I have to leave, you know? If I go back and I'm not going to be playing, then, of course, I have to think about things.

"But at the moment I'm concentrating on Bournemouth. I want to put myself in a position where I go back next year and I'm a better player, and I'm fitter, and I can prove to people I can play week in, week out, and I'm ready for the challenge."

Wilshere, who has played over 100 Premier League games for Arsenal but spent almost the entirety of last season out with injury, insists he has no issues with manager Wenger.

And the midfielder says he would be delighted if the Gunners won the title in his absence.

Jack Wilshere admits he is unsure over his long-term future at Arsenal
Jack Wilshere has impressed for Bournemouth on loan this season

"I spoke to Arsene before I went to Bournemouth and he said I would play, but I wanted more than that," he said. "I wanted to be an important player for the team and play week in, week out - from the start - and I just got the feeling I needed a change if I was to experience that.

"I spoke to him on the phone, I didn't speak to him in person, so it was hard to tell (if he wanted to keep me). I said to him I wanted to play and he'd already had a feeling that I wanted to go on loan because my agent had spoken to Dick Law (contract negotiator), and I think he'd had the chance to think about it, and when I spoke to him he said 'it's fine'.

"I knew that they'd got a strong squad this year, they were in a good position when I left, so of course I want them to win the league. For the manager, especially, I'd be delighted.

"I know that he really believes in that squad and he's worked hard over the years. He's taken a lot of stick from people but I think that's always been his goal. It's the Premier League, he's working towards that and they've got a great chance this year."