Arsenal Midfielder Starts Negotiations over Long-Term Contract - Report

Arsenal have reportedly started negotiations with Jack Wilshere regarding a new contract.

The midfielder recently returned to the Gunners line-up, following ankle and knee injuries, which kept him out for a period of seventeen months. The 20-year-old' current deal at the Emirates runs till 2015 but his representatives have held preliminary discussions with the club and are currently close to securing an improved long-term contract for the youngster, according to the Daily Mirror.

The England international currently earns £50,000-a-week but the club are now ready to make him one of their top earners. Arsenal had recently secured a new shirt sponsorship agreement with Fly Emirates worth £150m and the deal could make a few players, including Wilshere, receive an improved wage package.

Arsene Wenger has seemingly learnt from their past mistakes, after allowing the likes of Robin van Persie and Samir Nasri to run their contract down to the final year and then leave for rival clubs in the next transfer window. Wilshere, who is widely regarded to be among the best young talents in England, had previously stated his love for the club and it is understood that he will be happy to agree on a new deal, if and when that arrives.

Arsenal will be looking to open contract talks with Bacary Sagna as well. The wing-back's current deal is in its last 18 months and the management could be looking to make an approach now rather than holding it off till the summer. The 29-yearold has already been linked with a move to Inter Milan next season and Gunners fans will be hoping that a truce could reached between the club and the player soon. The Frenchman had earlier voiced his frustration at Arsenal's lack of ambition.

The north London outfit are also yet to reach an agreement with Theo Walcott, whose contract is set to expire in the summer. Wenger has repeatedly expressed his desire to keep the forward but has failed to convince the 23-year-old to sign a new deal. The former Southampton star recently allayed fears over his contract situation and infused some confidence among Arsenal supporters by stating his intention to stay at the club.