Wenger predicts wonderful future for Wilshere

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Jack Wilshere could become a top-class player after the teenage England midfielder committed himself to an extended contract with the club on Monday.

Wilshere, who has been with the Gunners since he was nine years old, has become a first-team regular this season, making eight Premier League appearances and featuring in all three of Arsenal’s Champions League matches.

Wenger, who loaned Wilshere to top-flight rivals Bolton last season, now expects the promising playmaker to go on to even greater heights with north London side Arsenal.

“It’s such great news that Jack has committed his long-term future to the club,” Wenger said after Arsenal, who confirmed the new contract, refused to say how long Wilshere would now be staying at the Emirates Stadium.

“Jack is a fantastic footballer with a huge amount of potential, and we have all seen with his performances so far that he is a very gifted player who could be an extremely influential player at the top level of the game.

“At still only 18 years of age, there is still so much more to come from him and we’re all excited by the fact that Jack Wilshere will be an Arsenal player for years to come.”

Wilshere became Arsenal’s youngest league player when he faced Blackburn in September 2008 aged 16 years and 256 days, and their youngest European player against Dynamo Kiev in the November of that year.

He made his full England debut against Hungary in August and now, having shown a young English player can come through the ranks at Arsenal, a club that relies heavily on imported talent, Wilshre is eager to go on to greater things.

“I’ve got a long way to go before I can become the player I dream of becoming and I’m sure I’ll keep making the odd mistake, but it is a massive help for me having a special manager like Arsene Wenger and so many quality team-mates and the unbelievable Arsenal fans around me,” he said.

“I believe there is a lot more to come from me.”