Jack Wilshere concerned over first 11 spot amid massive competition

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has voiced concerns over his future at Arsenal by running over the level of competition for his spot in the first 11.

The midfielder has returned from an ankle injury which kept him out for four months and finds himself in a race against time to get himself back into the good books of the manager. Wilshere, who prefers a forward thinking role, finds his path blocked by the likes of Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil, who have all been in brilliant form over the past few months.

Wilshere, who prefers a forward thinking role, finds his path blocked by the likes of Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Özil, who have all been in brilliant form over the past few months.

Mikel Arteta, Abou Diaby and Mathieu Debuchy are also back in the squad, but Arsene Wenger is unlikely to fiddle with a winning combination, which has seen them go on a seven-game winning streak and establish themselves in second spot in the league.

The myriad of midfielders ahead of Wilshere has led to uncertainty over his future. He is only 23 and has his whole career ahead of him.

Future in question

Manchester City are the ones most desperate for his signature, given their lack of homegrown options but Arsène Wenger has markedly dispelled any talk linking him with a move out of the club, citing their improved finances over the past couple of seasons.

"When I first broke in there was Cesc Fabregas, there was Diaby, Denilson and Alex Song," Wilshere told Arsenal's official website.

"We've always had real quality in that position but now I'd say there are more of my style of players fighting for that position. You can name four or five attacking midfielders who are world-class.

"I've played with Francis since I was 15 or 16 so we know each other really well. He didn't get a look in before that but I always knew that once he got his chance he would deliver, and he gets better and better as each game goes on.

"I've played with Mikel for a couple of years now and I played against him [at Everton] when I was at Bolton on loan and he was the best player on the pitch. He brings that experience, reads the game really well, breaks up play and everyone knows what quality he has on the ball.

"[Aaron's] main attribute is his energy, his leadership, he wants to drive the team forward and he can score goals. You look at the best midfielders in the world over the last few years like Lampard and Gerrard, who can score goals, and he's got that.

"With Santi it's easy to play because he understands the game so well. If I come inside, he'll go outside and we'll link up. Now he's got more responsibility in the centre of midfield and he's done brilliantly there over the last few months. He's probably the easiest player to play with," he concluded