Wilshere hints at Arsenal exit with cryptic 'turning the page' message

The Gunners midfielder continues to run down his contract at Emirates Stadium and has suggested that he could be about to depart as a free agent

Jack Wilshere has hinted that his time at Arsenal is coming to the close, with a cryptic social media post suggesting that he will soon be “turning the page”.

The 26-year-old midfielder is a product of the Gunners’ academy system, with a Premier League debut made back in September 2008.

A decade of loyal service in north London has delivered close to 200 appearances, along with loan spells at and Bournemouth.

Wilsgere could, however, be about to bid farewell, with his current contract continuing to run down.

Arsene Wenger had stated on a regular basis prior to his departure from Emirates Stadium that he expected fresh terms to be agreed, but no deal has been done.

That means the international remains on course to drop into the free agent pool at the end of June.

He will then be able to choose from any of the offers put to him when it comes to a next career move, with various landing spots – from to West Ham – having been mooted.

A serious hint at “closing the book” would suggest that Wilshere’s adventure at Arsenal is all but over.

He has endured fitness issues throughout his time as a senior professional, with 30-plus Premier League appearances made across any given season on just one occasion – back in 2010-11.

He did take in 20 top-flight outings last term, and 38 games across all competitions, but he was still unable to force his way into England’s squad for the 2018 World Cup.

Having aired his disappointment at being overlooked by Gareth Southgate, Wilshere now appears ready to open a new chapter in his career.

There will be plenty of sides keen on landing a proven performer once his becomes available, while his exit at Arsenal will leave new Gunners boss Unai Emery with another position to fill in his squad during the summer transfer window.