Jack Wilshere will “definitely” be signing a new contract at Arsenal, says Perry Groves, with the midfielder set to steer clear of the free agent pool.
The England international continues to run down a deal at Emirates Stadium which is due to expire at the end of the season.
Arsene Wenger has stated on a regular basis that he hopes to see fresh terms agreed, but no compromise has been reached and the Gunners are heading towards a summer of change.
It has been suggested that Wilshere will be heading the same way as his outgoing manager, but a former fan favourite in north London remains confident that the 26-year-old will stay put.
Groves told Sportingbet: “I think Jack Wilshere will definitely stay at Arsenal this summer.
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“The hierarchy is trying to cut his wages but they should put him on a pay-as-you-play deal now that he’s got over his injuries and he’s getting back to his best.
“There’s not many players who have the vision he has and everything he does is about moving forwards.
“Jack Wilshere would be a big miss because his soul is at the club and the fans love him."
Arsenal had initially allowed Wilshere’s contract to run down after seeing him suffer a succession of injuries – including one during a loan spell at Bournemouth.
He has, however, been welcomed back into the fold this season and made 36 appearances across all competitions.
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While backing Arsenal to retain Wilshere, Groves believes the Gunners should be looking to move on from veteran goalkeeper Petr Cech.
He added on his preferred option to take the No. 1 jersey at the Emirates: "I want Jack Butland to replace Petr Cech as Arsenal’s goalkeeper and I would take him in a heartbeat.
“I think he’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the country and he has a huge physical presence.
“Any goalkeeper that’s playing for Stoke will look vulnerable, but he would only improve at Arsenal.
“We would be able to get him for a good price once Stoke are relegated too.”
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