Arsene Wenger says he’s pushing Jack Wilshere to stay at Arsenal but accepts the England international will have offers enticing him elsewhere.

The Gunners have offered the 26-year-old a new contract to stay at the Emirates, however, due to concerns about his fitness it’s suggested his salary will be reduced before appearance and success add ons kick in.

At a time when teammates are enjoying pay rises, it’s given Wilshere food for thought and he’s still mulling over whether to commit.

Speaking to beIN Sports about the situation, Wenger said: “I can only reassure them [the fans] that we want him to stay and we’ve made a proposal.

“After that you accept as well that Jack is at an age when he’ll have offers somewhere else.

“Personally, I’ve put my weight in for him to stay and I push him to stay and I think he’s an Arsenal man.

“[Gennaro] Gattuso said the other day he has the technique of a Spanish player and the character of an English player, I think that’s well judged and that’s why you want him to stay at the club.

“Jack has gone through situations where he was long-term injured, you hope basically, that in the next three or four years he’ll be injury free and we’ll see the real Jack Wilshere.

“He went to the European Championship and he basically didn’t play, he came on a few times. Jack Wilshere at full fitness, full powerful is a regular in the English national team.”

Wilshere has had to drop out of the England squad that is due to face Italy at Wembley tomorrow having already missed the match against Holland due to an inflamed knee.

The problem is thought to be minor but with the opportunity to play national team games before the World Cup limited, time is running out for him to prove to Gareth Southgate that he’s worthy of a place on the plane to Russia this summer.