In the game of contract ‘chicken’, Arsenal blinked first claims a Daily Mirror report.
The Gunners re-opened negotiations with 26-year-old midfielder Jack Wilshere after a wave of interest in the player from clubs at home and abroad. With no fee to pay once his contract expires, the midfielder is an attractive target in a market where transfer fees continue to rise.
Wolves and Everton led the way from the Premier League, but his agent has also been contacted by AC Milan with Juventus reportedly monitoring his situation as well.
Despite asserting that the offer was final, the club reacted to the interest swiftly and returned to the negotiating table. It’s understood a revised deal is being discussed with a basic pay cut of less than £10,000 per week now being proposed.
Arsenal are keen to incentivise Wilshere over his fitness with a bonus-laden contract which will reflect his availability for the first team.
With a new manager coming in and a smaller than expected transfer budget, the Gunners are keen to tie down Wilshere and stave off a potential problem for the new boss.
The England man has told the club he wants to stay and is determined to resolve his future before the end of the season.
