Arsenal star Jack Wilshere will remain with Gunners this season, claims boss Arsene Wenger
England playmaker has been linked with a move to Italy, while Shkodran Mustafi and Francis Coquelin return to fitness
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ARSENE WENGER insists he intends to keep Jack Wilshere at Arsenal this season.
He also revealed the England midfielder is close to returning to training, while Francis Coquelin and Shkodran Mustafi are fit to face Stoke on Saturday evening.
And Wenger insists Wilshere - who returned to action with the Under-23s this week- has something to offer.
Speaking ahead of the clash against the Potters, he said: "It’s good that he’s back and available, he needs games now.
"He might play again on Monday night, it is important it’s a natural progression to being completely fit which is not far away now.
"I plan him to be here for the whole season. After, we’ll see at the end of the season.”
Arsenal secured a thrilling comeback win over Leicester in their Premier League opener.
But after a makeshift defence leaked three goals in the 4-3 victory, the return of Mustafi and Coquelin will be welcome.
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Wenger added: "For Sanchez, it's too early, but he's working hard in training. Mertesacker, Coquelin and Mustafi are available for selection."
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been linked with a Chelsea move after a solid performance in the Community Shield win over the Blues.
The midfielder has been vital in Wenger's new 3-4-3 formation, which he adopted at the end of last season.
And the Ox is unlikely to be allowed to quit this summer unless a huge bid comes in, although Newcastle and Brighton target Lucas Perez is free to go.
Wenger confirmed: “I want Oxlade-Chamberlain to stay here for a long time. He can be the English player in the next two years that a lot of people look at.
“It’s a possibility [Lucas Perez] will leave, I’ve opened the door for him."
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