Wenger sees Wilshere staying: 'He is an Arsenal man'

Arsene Wenger can imagine Jack Wilshere staying at Arsenal beyond his current paperwork which expires at the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has completed 90 minutes in each of the Gunners' last seven Premier League matches, reviving a career that suffered following repeated injuries. He also fell out of Eddie Howe's starting XI during last season's loan at Bournemouth.

"I see Jack here because he is an Arsenal man," Wenger told the Guardian's David Hynter when quizzed on the midfielder's future. "Nobody questions his love and commitment for the club. We have to find an agreement that makes him happy and wish that, in the future, he remains fit."

Wenger believes it is Wilshere's new-found awareness of his physical limitations and his improved preparation that has staved off injuries since August. He's been a standout member of the Frenchman's squad during a time of scant positives: Arsenal is dealing with a run of five matches without a win across all competitions.

"He is much more patient and mature," Wenger continued. "He analyses better. Before, his desire to play was the only thing that mattered. Today, he can analyse better. Is he fit or not fit? He has a lot of prevention (work) to do and he does that religiously now. Before, he was a bit more: 'My body can take that' - like we all are when we are 20 years old."

With Danny Welbeck injured and Alexis Sanchez reportedly leaving the team hotel to accelerate a move to Manchester United, Wilshere could have a huge say in determining the outcome of Saturday's visit from Crystal Palace.