Jack Wilshere claims Arsene Wenger was 'sacked'

West Ham United midfielder Jack Wilshere has claimed that Arsene Wenger was rather given the ultimatum before he decided to step down from the head coach role.

Speaking to BBC's Football Focus, Wilshere suggested that he may have stayed with the north London club but their decision to part ways with Wenger influenced his decision to move on.

He said: "So I decided to stay and I got back into the team and they finally offered me a deal in January which was ready to sign, and then Arsene got sacked."

Since the departure of Wilshere, Arsenal have bolstered their midfield with the signings of Lucas Torreira and Mateo Guendouzi and the latter has been picked to start in the Premier League opener against Manchester City.

Aside from Guendouzi, Aaron Ramsey has made the starting lineup despite miss the final two pre-season friendlies with a calf problem. The Welshman, however, remains undecided over his contract which expires in 12 months' time.