Jack Wilshere has reiterated that he wants to remain at Arsenal and is "hopeful" of a deal being struck between player and club.
The England international is believed to have rejected the chance to pen fresh terms with the Gunners on a reduced salary, leaving him as a free agent at the end of the season.
Recent reports have however suggested that Arsenal, fearful of losing Wilshere in the same summer as losing Arsene Wenger, have upped their proposed wages for the midfielder.
Wilshere has now stated that talks remain ongoing but admits that the situation has been complicated by Wenger's departure at the end of the season.
"We are still in the same position really," Wilshere told Sky Sports News. "Not much has changed. We are still talking.
"Obviously the boss has left which has changed things a little bit because I don't know who is going to be the manager next year and that can change things. But we are still talking and I am hopeful and the club is hopeful we can get something done.
"To be honest with you, I haven't really thought about [moving elsewhere]. I have said before that this is where I want to be and I have not really had much time to think about moving clubs.
"We have been playing every three or four days for the last three or four months so it has been difficult. I am concentrating on games and obviously the boss left so it has been a bad couple of months to be honest."
Wilshere has made 196 appearances for Arsenal since breaking into the first team a decade ago.
Giuseppe Labellarte
