Manchester City and Chelsea could reportedly compete for the services of Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere at the end of the current campaign. The England international has just eight months left on his present deal, and talks over an extension are yet to progress.
Wilshere, 25, spent the previous campaign on loan with Bournemouth where he impressed before sustaining a season-ending injury in April. The playmaker has since managed to impress Arsene Wenger in training, and he is presently a regular for the Gunners in the League Cup and Europa League games.
According to The Mail, the Premier League pair are keeping a close eye on the Stevenage-born star, who is still to open up discussions over a new contract. Wilshere has previously admitted that he would like to extend his Gunners stay beyond next summer, but he is still awaiting a regular chance in the top-flight before considering a fresh deal.
Both Manchester City and Chelsea are in need to boost their home-grown quota, and the duo are hoping that Wilshere follows the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil in turning down long-term contracts at the Emirates Stadium.
Apart from Wilshere, Sanchez is also the subject of interest from both clubs with Manchester City said to be plotting a £20m swoop for his services in the New Year. The Chile international has started the 2017/18 campaign in fine fashion for the FA Cup holders, but his lack of contract interest could tempt the Gunners to cash in on his services rather than losing him for nothing next summer.
Arsenal host Norwich City in the fourth round of the League Cup on Tuesday night whilst Manchester City and Chelsea also have similar Cup ties against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton respectively. The League Cup has not always been taken seriously by the elite English clubs, and they are likely to be wholesale changes in the matchday squads.
