'I definitely want to be here' says Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, confirms contract issue will be 'sorted' out

Jack Wilshere has expressed his desire to continue at Arsenal and the midfielder remains hopeful his future will be resolved in the "next couple of weeks" by agreeing a new deal at the Emirates.

The England international's current deal at the north London club will expire after the end of the 2017/18 season. He earlier said that talks over a new deal were yet to begin as his future at Arsenal has been a talking point at Arsene Wenger's recent press conferences.

Wenger confirmed the negotiations with the former AFC Bournemouth midfielder over a new contract will begin in late December. Wilshere is keen to continue in the Premier League and is hopeful he will be handed a new deal in order to continue with his current employers beyond this season.

"I definitely want to be here I'm enjoying my football and I love playing in the Premier League now and I want to help Arsenal get to where they should be," Wilshere told Sky Sports.

"We just have to sort things out and I'm sure that will happen in the next couple of weeks and it will be sorted."

The 25-year-old made his first start in the Premier League against West Ham United since May 2016. Wenger allowed Wilshere to spend the last season on loan at Bournemouth. Since returning to the club, he has struggled to feature in the league.

However, the Frenchman has handed him starts in the last two league games, which were against David Moyes' side and Newcastle United. Wilshere is hopeful that a good run of games will boost his chances of making it to the England squad for next summer's World Cup in Russia.

"The biggest thing for any footballer, and even more so for me because of the games missed in the past, is that you are playing," he explained.

"Apart from that, there's small things to sort out but as long as I'm playing then I'm happy. I've missed too much football and I just want to be playing.

"I think I've proved to myself that I can play in the Premier League and I trust my body again and that I can affect games. I can have a positive effect on this team and then maybe we'll see if the England manager picks me.

"I'm just focused on the game on Friday, I'm in a good place mentally at the minute. I want to continue improving my form, affecting the team and help to get into the top four and challenge for trophies."