West Ham will head the chase for midfielder Jack Wilshere if he leaves Arsenal when his contract expires later this month, according to the Daily Star.

The national newspaper claim that the 26-year-old, whose current deal at the Emirates sees him earn £90,000-a-week according to Total Sportek, is set for crunch talks with new Gunners boss Unai Emery about his future later this month.

The Daily Star report that after rejecting a new three-year contract at the Gunners as he feels he deserves a better package, Wilshere could leave for free when his current deal expires at the end of June.

Good move for West Ham?

Yes.

The Daily Star state that Manuel Pellegrini has long been admirer of the English central midfielder, even when the manager of Manchester City, and only injury concerns stopped him trying to sign Wilshere when at the Etihad.

This shows that the high-profile boss believes he knows how to best utilise the midfielder and given Wilshere’s displays in the 2017/18 campaign that is an exciting prospect.

The 26-year-old was finally able to rack up the games in his latest campaign, avoiding major injuries, and look liked a top Premier League talent in the 38 appearances he made.

Forever West Ham: 8/10

Likely to happen?

According to the Daily Star not only does Emery want to keep the midfielder, there are a host of other clubs ready to pounce on him if he becomes available.

Everton, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Wolves and Fulham are all among the clubs apparently keen on Wilshere’s services.

It seems the Hammers have nothing to fear when it comes to competition for his signature, as they’ll lead the race for him, but Emery’s desire to keep him at the Gunners throws a spanner in the works.

Wilshere’s love of his boyhood club is well documented and if they see sense by offering him a respectable deal, then the Hammers have no chance of getting him.

Therefore the midfielder’s move to the London Stadium all hinges on the Premier League star’s crunch talks.

Forever West Ham: 6/10