Arsenal: Manchester City prepare summer bid for Jack Wilshere

Manchester City are preparing a summer bid for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, according to the Daily Mirror, who has recovered after suffering an ankle injury against Manchester United at the Emirates, earlier in the season.

The midfielder's career has been littered with a series of injuries, which has stunted his development but the Arsenal management is hopeful that the 23-year-old will not be subject to any more disruptions.

The Gunners have reportedly started contract talks with the player over his future and are willing to give him a long-term deal to ensure his future, with City finding it very difficult to attract other English talent.

Manuel Pellegrini's men do not have the required number of homegrown players as per FA rules, in their squad and are also monitoring the progress of Raheem Sterling, who has refused to extend his contract with the Reds.

Wilshere, who has been part of the Gunners squad since he was a kid, would be a difficult transfer to bag given his allegiance with Arsene Wenger, who helped him tide over a series of setbacks, since making his debut in 2010.

However, things may change should he fail to land a starting spot with the Gunners, who have a deluge of midfielders at their disposal, with the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey also vying for the two spots available alongside that of Francis Coquelin.

The midfielder completed 90 minutes for the Arsenal U-21 side in midweek and is in line for a return to the first team against Burnley in the weekend.

"You can train as much as you like but you can't get that match fitness unless you play," Wilshere said after the match.

"In the Premier League you know how quick it is so you have to get back to that speed. I feel like I'm ready to play some part. When you're injured you look at your comeback date and the games around that time."

"The one that stands out is the FA Cup semi-final but even before that we've got big games and we've got to go to Man United as well so there's a chance to play this season," the England midfielder added.