Evening all. Starting an Arsenal blog in mid June was probably a bit daft in hindsight. Because nothing tends to happen in June. Fans find themselves suspended in a state of pre/post season limbo. The players are holidaying, the boss is playing beach volleyball and the transfer window hasn’t even officially swung open yet.

Nevertheless, I’ll plod on and start with today’s ‘headline’ Arsenal chat.

According to some, Jack Wilshere is ‘torn’ over whether to stay at Emirates stadium or move to the Etihad, whereas in-the-Arsenal-know Steve Stammers’ piece suggests a new contract is in the offing for the midfielder.

I think a new contract to tie him down and ward off suitors would be a great idea, even if his role in the current Arsenal first team is far from defined, let alone guaranteed.

Wilshere is clearly very highly valued by the Arsenal management and it’s easy to see why. He’s exceptionally, technically gifted, English, and at 23 has his best years ahead of him.

Wilshere in full flow

Of course there have been a couple of highly-publicized off-field indiscretions and he undoubtedly has a poor injury record to date, but Wilshere has shown he is capable of becoming a marauding midfield mainstay for both club and country. He has the personality and the talent.

His determination and willingness to engage in the more physical aspects of the game for example, are as much a tonic for the fans as they are for his team-mates, in the cauldron of top level competition.

That combination of cast-iron character and genuine footballing ability in a player is far too rare and particularly in the Premier League, is a vital component in a successful side.

If he can add regular goals to his surging runs, passing and vision, Arsenal and England would have a truly special player at their disposal.

That’s what I think anyway.

Moving on and there’s very little to move on to. Carl Jenkinson played the full match as England Under 21s beat Sweden 1-0 in the Euros earlier this evening and Calum Chambers was again an unused substitute.

Back tomorrow.