Wenger’s plea to Jack Wilshere as Manchester City prepare to swoop

Arsene Wenger has warned Jack Wilshere not to get involved in a contract stand-off with Arsenal.

Wilshere, who has three years left on his current deal, has claimed he “wants to feel wanted” by Arsenal as he sweats on his FA Cup Final place at Wembley today.

Big-spending Manchester City are circling and are ready to make a determined effort to sign him this summer and Wenger could not hide his suspicion that Wilshere’s comments were designed to get a new contract.

When asked about Wilshere’s remarks, Wenger snapped back: “What do you mean by that? Is it a contract story? Is it? He knows he is wanted.

“I made Jack Wilshere start at 17 years of age. That means that you cannot show a bigger desire of wanting a player and we have always extended his contract and we have been very patient with all his injuries. At some stage I think he must feel wanted.”

Wenger then reminded Wilshere that Arsenal have stood by him through his injury nightmares as he urged him to show loyalty if City do make a huge bid this summer.

Arsenal have begun tentative talks with Wilshere but a new deal may not be agreed until after the summer window has shut.

“We always stood by him through every difficult moment,” said Wenger.

“Does that mean we want him to stay here for a longer period? Yes, as we would like to benefit from his talent now. He has not played since November, Jack. That is five or six months.”

Wenger also insisted that whoever plays in the cup final, Arsenal are determined to keep Wilshere and Theo Walcott as the Gunners boss said the England winger’s long term future is through the middle.

“I want Walcott to play through the middle and I want both of them to stay here,” said Wenger.

“Walcott is similar because he has been out for a year. I want them to stay."