Wenger to offer Welbeck new contract at Arsenal

ARSENE WENGER wants Danny Welbeck to sign a new contract and commit his future to Arsenal after ‘traumatic’ knee injuries cost him 18 months in the prime of his career.

Wenger hopes Welbeck can take inspiration from Jack Wilshere who fought back from serious injury and is set to sign a new deal.

Welbeck will start against Ostersunds in the Europa League tonight and the Arsenal boss says he can make an impression with England at the World Cup.

‘I like him because he can play left, right or up front, and for his quality,’ said Wenger. ‘He might not be a goalscorer like Harry Kane but for England he can perfectly play with Kane because he can play on the flanks.’

Welbeck, 27, suffered long absences with knee problems from May 2015 until this time last year and has since endured toe, hip and groin injuries.

‘There was a time when I remember him playing for England in switzerland and he looked marvellous,’ said Wenger. ‘I see signs of him now in training where he is like that. If he can stay on the pitch and not be injured, I want him to stay here.’

Wilshere is close to signing a new deal, but he is yet to ‘make a decision’ and ‘find a pen,’ according Wenger, whose side lead Ostersunds 3-0 from the first leg and will rest firstteamers before sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is cup-tied in Europe and Alexandre Lacazette is out with a knee injury.

Aaron Ramsey is in training after a groin injury but won’t play. Neither will Mesut Ozil who has been ill. Back-up keeper David Ospina will start ahead of Petr Cech tonight and at Wembley.