Arsenal star Jack Wilshere set to discuss positioning with boss Arsene Wenger

By Matt Barlow for MailOnline

Published: 16:30 EST, 15 July 2015 | Updated: 18:34 EST, 15 July 2015

Jack Wilshere will to speak to Arsene Wenger before the season starts to clarify where the manager wants him to operate in the season ahead.

Wilshere has made no secret of the fact he prefers to play centrally but Wenger will not offer him any guarantees and often used him wide last season.

'I haven't spoken to him but I will do before the start of the season,' said Wilshere, who played at No.10 and scored a penalty in a 4-0 win against a Singapore XI in the Barclays Asia Trophy.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere putting in an impressive performances against a Singapore Select XI

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere putting in an impressive performances against a Singapore Select XI

'I'm just concentrating on getting fit. I had a good end to the season and just want to keep it going.'

Chuba Akpom scored a hat-trick for Arsenal in Singapore and Wenger confirmed he will keep the 19-year-old in the squad this season rather than send him on loan.

It promises to be a big season for Akpom, as it does for others including Wilshere, who is wanted by Manchester City but so desperate to make an impact at Arsenal that he returned early to pre-season to top-up his fitness levels.

'I wanted to come in early,' said the England midfielder. 'I felt I missed too much of last season and wanted to give myself the best opportunity to get fit. So I asked the boss.'

Wilshere, 23, missed more than four months of last season after an ankle operation and found it hard to force his way back into a winning team when he returned.

When he did get in, he sometimes played wide. There are no promises from Wenger, even though Manchester City's interest is well documented.

The England midfielder, scoring a penalty in Singapore, wants to play centrally for Arsenal this season

The England midfielder, scoring a penalty in Singapore, wants to play centrally for Arsenal this season

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (left) has so far given Wilshere no assurances he will start centrally 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (left) has so far given Wilshere no assurances he will start centrally 

'For me he can play in all of the offensive positions,' said the Arsenal boss. 'Wide or central, and we have many good creative players. They will all tell you they want to play centrally. Unfortunately, some have to go wide as well.

'Jack always had appetite but he was out for a long time. Already in the last two or three games of last season, he has found his burst back, his acceleration.

'To be efficient he needs that. There are high demands physically to be perfect. He is getting close.

'Top-level today is so demanding physically that to be in and out is a nightmare for the players. He needs continuity. After that we play so many games, and we had a bid squad but not a massive one. The opportunities will be there for everyone.' 

Arsenal midfielder Wilshere skips past the challenge of Baihakki Khaizan during the clash in Singapore

Arsenal midfielder Wilshere skips past the challenge of Baihakki Khaizan during the clash in Singapore

 

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