17-year old Jack Wilshere, wanted as regular by many, has signed a professional contract with the club just days after turning 17 on January 1. Coach Arsene Wenger believes the youngster is part of the future of Arsenal. He told the club’s official website:

Jack is a player with great potential, with an ability to find the final ball and also score goals. Jack is a passionate and committed young player, he is not afraid of tackles and I am convinced he will have tremendous penetrative power in a few years.

We have already seen Jack’s qualities in both his first team performances and in training on a regular basis, and we look forward to Jack being an important part of our first team for years to come.