Arsenal have confirmed that Jack Wilshere has signed a new long-term contract with the club.
Wilshere, 18, who made his senior England debut in August this year, has blossomed at Emirates Stadium this season after spending the second half of last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers.
Wenger told the club’s official website: “It’s such great news that Jack has committed his long-term future to the Club.
“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 added: “Arsenal football club has been like a second home for me and my family since I was nine years old. To be offered a new contract means everything to me.
“At this point in my career, when I’m only 18 years old and still learning so much about the game and myself, this is the perfect club, the perfect team-mates, the perfect fans, the perfect backroom staff and most importantly, the perfect manager to help continue that.
“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. I believe there is a lot more to come from me.
“I’ve been at the club for almost 10 years already, so I would like to thank everyone that has been part of getting me this far, especially people like Liam Brady, Roy Massey and all his staff at the Hale End Academy.
“Also, Neil Banfield, Steve Bould, Academy Coach Steve Leonard, Academy Scout Bob Arber, Assistant Head of Youth Development David Court, all the backroom staff, Arsene Wenger, all my team-mates and, of course, my family.”
