Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere must prove he can stay fit for a long period of time if he wants to have a future at the Gunners, according to manager Arsene Wenger.
Speaking about the 25 year old to reporters, the Frenchman says he has always been an admirer of his talents but his inability to stay fit could spell the end of his Arsenal career:
“You know how much I love Jack and his talent. But today in the football world you need a consistent presence. What is at stake for Jack is not his quality or his talent, it is his presence at the top. His quality is not in doubt.”
Wilshere’s contract expires in the summer, and it looks almost certain he won’t be offered a new deal unless he plays consistently well and stays fit for the next nine months.
There has been talk of the player being sold before the end of the transfer window. Italian side Sampdoria and Turkish club Antalyaspor both were in the discussions for the England international but neither side managed to agree a fee with Arsenal.
AC Milan have also cooled their interest in Wilshere, according to Calciomercato.com, believing the player to be too fragile, and too much of a risk to sign.