Arsene Wenger has insisted the decision to extend Jack Wilshere’s contract at The Emirates ‘lies with him’.

Wilshere’s current contract in North London expires at the end of the season, and the England international is just to put pen to paper to extend his stay at the club.

The delay in tying down Wilshere to a new long-term deal has lead to heavy speculation he could leave the club in the summer.

West Ham, Huddersfield and former loan-club Bournemouth are just a handful of those interested in securing the services of Wilshere should he leave Arsenal after over a decade with the club.

But Arsene Wenger says he intends not to lose a player he considers vital to his first team plans and that the decision to stay lies entirely with Wilshere with the club having made their stance on the matter clear.

When asked about any potential updates on the situation with Wilshere, Arsene Wenger responded: “It’s progressing.

“But the decision belongs to him. At the end of the day you have to respect the decision of the player.

“Our desire is clear, is expressed, is numbered and after that, the player has to find satisfaction as well.”