Arsene Wenger speaks on Santi Cazorla's future

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the possibility of extending the contract of midfielder Santi Cazorla beyond the summer.

The Spain international has struggled with a nagging Achilles problem over the past 24 months, and this has required as many as 10 operations to rectify the issue.

Cazorla has himself revealed that he may only make his comeback in late 2018, but Wenger has not dismissed the option of extending the midfielder's stay.

The Spaniard's current deal is due to expire at the end of the season, but Wenger is open to a new extension, provided the veteran can prove his fitness.

He said: "I haven't seen Santi since the League Cup final, but the last news I heard is that he's doing very well. Hopefully he can come back before the end of the season to make a check up to see if he can play again in the Premier League. If he could reach that level we would discuss a contract. We miss him a lot, you know."

Irrespective of this, the club are expected to pursue another central midfielder with the future of Jack Wilshere in doubt beyond the current campaign.

The 26-year-old has yet to accept to the Gunners' proposal which includes a 25 percent pay-cut and this may probably urge him to join a league rival in the summer.