Arsene Wenger confirms plans for new Jack Wilshere contract

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed plans to offer Jack Wilshere a new contract at the club in the coming months.

Wilshere managed just 10 Premier League starts over his last two seasons with the Gunners due to injury, but has already made eight during his loan spell with Bournemouth this term.

Wenger is happy with how the 24-year-old is progressing at the Vitality Stadium, and revealed that a new deal is in the pipeline despite some speculation claiming that the midfielder could stay at Bournemouth.

Asked whether Arsenal would offer Wilshere fresh terms, Wenger told reporters: "Yeah of course. Certainly we have to plan that around the New Year yes.

"I'm happy he is developing well and it was a good decision to go to Bournemouth as he gets regular football. The observations I am getting is that he is getting stronger every week and that is what he needed. I am happy he has not had any injuries.

"When a player like Jack is in top form, you miss him always. We want to win games and the solution is to focus on the offensive performance and be tight at the back rather than expect any weakness from Bournemouth."

Arsenal will host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, although Wilshere is ineligible to play against his parent club.