Arsenal have made positive progress over talks to extend Jack Wilshere’s contract following a new, improved offer that reflects the midfielder’s ongoing upturn in form.

Having been willing to let Wilshere leave last summer, Arsenal have now made the 26 year-old a second offer after an initial proposal of around £90,000 a week, plus bonuses, was rejected.

That would have represented a pay-cut on his current guaranteed basic wage of £110,000 a week but did involve significant potential bonuses that were designed both to incentivise Wilshere and reflect his track record with injuries.

Wilshere, though, has now absorbed his highest number of matches since his breakthrough season in 2010-11 and there is increasing hope that the worst of his ankle and foot problems are now behind him.

Arsenal’s most recent offer is understood to keep Wilshere’s basic wage at around £110,000 a week, but also still include added bonuses.