Jack Wilshere admits he could consider leaving Arsenal

Jack Wilshere remains uncertain with regards to his future at Arsenal and admits that he could consider a permanent move from the club if he is not a regular member of the starting XI when he returns next season. The midfielder is currently on a season-long loan to Bournemouth as he looks to gain regular game time and build his fitness.

The England international missed most of last season with injury – making just three appearances in the Premier League – and fell down the pecking order when he returned to full fitness at the start of the current campaign. Wilshere pushed for a temporary move away after Arsene Wenger failed to give him assurances over regular game time.

The 24-year-old is keen to establish himself at his boyhood club after his loan spell, but admits that playing 'week in – week out' is his main priority and he will consider his options should that not be possible with the Gunners once he returns next summer. Wenger is keen for the midfielder to remain at Arsenal, but he will have just one-year remaining on his current deal at the start of next season.

"It's difficult for me to say because I love Arsenal and I've had great times there, and they've been great for me, and I can still see myself playing there. But who knows what the future holds? I've got a year left when I go back there," Wilshere said, as quoted on Sky Sports.

"At the moment I'm just trying to have a season where it puts me in a good position at the end of the year, I'm improved as a player and Arsenal want me back, and we'll see where we go from there.

"I always thought to myself 'of course I love Arsenal' but if there comes a time where I have to leave, then I have to leave, you know? If I go back and I'm not going to be playing, then, of course, I have to think about things," the England international explained.

"But at the moment I'm concentrating on Bournemouth. I want to put myself in a position where I go back next year and I'm a better player, and I'm fitter, and I can prove to people I can play week in, week out, and I'm ready for the challenge."

Wilshere has played every game since his move to Bournemouth earlier in the year, and played his first full 90 minutes in over two years against Tottenham Hotspur in October. His impressive performances for the Cherries have seen Wilshere recalled to the England setup by interim manager Gareth Southgate.