Wenger: I’ll make Wilshere captain if he signs

ARSENE WENGER has told Jack Wilshere he can become Arsenal’s next captain if he commits himself to the club. Fit-again Wilshere has been a rare bright spark for the Gunners this season, after spending last term on loan at Bournemouth. His future, however, remains uncertain with his contract due to expire at the end of the season. Wilshere came through the ranks at Arsenal after joining the club as a schoolboy. The 26-year-old captained Arsenal for the first time in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Chelsea earlier this month and kept the armband as a souvenir. Wenger said: ‘I see him here because he is an Arsenal man. He was here at the age of 10 and I believe as well he’s not only been here for a long time but he has some leadership

qualities. He has a football brain. He is completely focused on Arsenal. ‘The fact that he has been away and come back… he realises as well that life here is not so bad maybe! That is important. He can be one of the leaders in the future. ‘Who would question his love and commitment for the club? Nobody. We have to find an agreement that makes him happy.’ Arsenal have offered Wilshere a contract with a basic wage of £80,000 a week plus performance-related add-ons. That is a hefty pay cut on his current wage of around £100,000 per week. The reason Arsenal have offered him a reduced deal is because of his injury history, but Wenger added: ‘He is much more patient and mature. Before, his desire to play was the only thing that mattered. ‘Today he can analyse better: is he fit or not? 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.’ Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck is a doubt for today’s game against Crystal Palace after suffering an injury setback in training. The problem is not thought to be serious and the Gunners are hopeful of having the forward available for next week’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea.