Contract crisis: Arsene Wenger sets deadline for Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal future to be resolved

Arsene Wenger says he “ideally” wants to keep Jack Wilshere and a set a December deadline to get his future resolved.

Midfielder Wilshere’s contract is up next summer and his prospects appeared uncertain at the start of the season following his return from a loan spell at Bournemouth last term.

But he has regained form and fitness during this campaign to leave Wenger urging Gareth Southgate to hand him an England recall.

Wilshere has played just 13 minutes of Premier League football this season and made the rest of his appearances in the Europa League and EFL Cup.

His decision to sign a new deal is likely to hinge on whether he can force his way into Wenger’s first-choice team.

Wenger now views Wilshere as one of his front three options which puts him competition with Mesut Ozil, another player with less than a year left on his deal.

Wenger, who confirmed he wants clarity before the January transfer window opens, said: “Ideally you want to keep both of them.

“I said many times that would be decided in December.”

Southgate names his squad for England’s Wembley friendlies against Germany and Brazil on Thursday and Wenger said: “I spoke to him (Southgate) about Jack before the Swansea game.

“He just asked me how he is and I said no restrictions. He’s in a very good way. I don’t know if he will be called up. I would encourage him (Southate) to do it.

“I am convinced it [being called up] would help him. When you have been so frustrated at so many times, every positive experience is welcome.

“It would be a positive as well because you have the World Cup and you have a new manager who has not called him up yet, so that for certain would play a positive part in his head.

“I personally think a super-fit Jack I don’t know how you can keep him out of the England squad.”

Wilshere will be part of a much-changed Arsenal side against Red Star Belgrade who are chasing a fourth successive win to clinch qualification from Group H.