Arsenal have made central midfield as well as central defence their transfer priority this year amid increasing uncertainty over the future of Jack Wilshere.

The 26-year-old is out of contract this summer and, while his recent performances have prompted the offer of a new deal, he is not happy with the proposed terms and now considering other options, which are likely to include Everton.

Arsenal are also weighing up their position and Sven Mislintat’s scouting department is looking especially this summer to bolster the central spine of the squad. The striker situation is largely settled but, with Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey having not extended their contracts and Santi Cazorla’s entire career in the balance, central midfield has become a major focus.

Arsenal have been assessing Schalke’s Max Meyer, who is also out of contract this summer and at the age of 22 might be regarded as a better long-term use of significant resources.

Manager Arsene Wenger has repeatedly said that he wants Wilshere to stay but he did tell him that he could leave last summer and the current offer of £90,000-a-week – albeit with potential add-ons – reflects an understandable caution over his injury record.