Jack Wilshere says Mikel Arteta does not want him to play for Arsenal

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has said that Mikel Arteta does not want him playing for the Gunners amid suggestions over a short-term contract offer for the academy graduate.

Wilshere has been back with Arsenal for some time having been invited to train with the club as he attempts to earn a contract elsewhere following his release from Bournemouth last season.

As of yet, the Englishman has failed to pen fresh terms elsewhere. He did however join the Gunners on their mid-season training trip to Dubai, with some suggesting in the aftermath that he should be offered a short-term contract by the Gunners.

However, it appears that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is not exactly sold on the idea.

Asked by talkSPORT why he had not yet rejoined the playing ranks at the Emirates Stadium, Wilshere replied: “Because the manager doesn’t want me to. Well, I don’t think he does.”

He then went on to admit that a contract with Arsenal is something that he would be more than open to accepting.

“I would love it to be Arsenal. But I am not in control of that,” Wilshere continued.

The claims come after rumours suggesting that the now 30-year-old had seen a move abroad collapse during the January transfer window.

According to L’Equipe, the former West Ham United playmaker was offered to French outfit Lille only for the club to opt for Hatem Ben Arfa instead – making the prospect of a deal highly unlikely.

Meanwhile back at the Emirates Stadium, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has never wavered from his view that Wilshere was only returning in an effort to keep up his fitness – not to earn a deal.

Speaking in early January, the Spaniard said: “I think I was very clear with the situation with Jack and the role he was going to have; we will continue in the same way.”