Jack Wilshere is not on the pre-season tour to Australia as he recovers from the broken leg he suffered at the end of last season, but Arsene Wenger seems keen to keep the midfielder for the upcoming campaign.

Although he’s now into the final 12 months of his current deal. the Arsenal manager doesn’t seem keen to sell him, and has urged the 25 year old to fight for his place in the team.

“I think Jack will be with Arsenal next season, yes,” said Wenger, according to the Mirror.

“I will give you a very focused answer on that, that he has to work hard to come back and fight for a place in the team.

“But once he is ready, when he comes back, he will not be far from practising with the team.”

It doesn’t sound hugely promising in terms of his first team prospects, especially after a season on loan with Bournemouth where he did fine but not much more.

Rumours this week suggest Italian side Sampdoria are interested in signing him, and it may well be a case that Arsenal decide to cash in this summer despite Wenger’s words.

Let’s see what happens.