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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants Jack Wilshere to sign new deal but England international unhappy with reduced terms

Arsenal's Jack Wilshere spoke to the Islington Gazette after the sensational 2-0 win against AC Milan at the San Siro. Picture Adam Davy/PA PA Wire/PA Images

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants Jack Wilshere to sign a new deal but has revealed the decision is not just his as the club look to reduce his basic salary in favour of a more appearance-based wage.

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Arsenal's Jack Wilshere appeals during the Carabao Cup semi final, second leg against Chelsea (pic John Walton/PA) Arsenal's Jack Wilshere appeals during the Carabao Cup semi final, second leg against Chelsea (pic John Walton/PA)

Wilshere, who has been at the Gunners since 2001, making his first team bow as the youngest player in the North Londoners history in 2008, has a matter of months to go on his contract.

A source close to the Hitchin-reared player confirmed Wilshere and his representatives have been in discussion with the club since before last summer with the endgame fast approaching – but the 26-year-old not happy with the terms on offer at the moment.

The club has offered Wilshere a heavily incentivised new deal starting at around £80,000 basic per week – down from his current weekly wage of £110,000 per week – loaded with further payments should he meet various appearance targets.

However the England international is understandably holding out for a higher basic salary given his talents.

Speaking ahead of Ostersund at the Emirates this evening Wenger said: “That decision doesn’t depend only on me. But I want him to sign very quickly.

“He is still to make a decision and to find a pen somewhere, I am happy to give him one.”

Wilshere, who told this correspondent at the premier of 89 The Film that he wanted to become an Arsenal legend is free to speak to continental suitors which includes Serie A giants AC Milan.