Wenger: Wilshere the new Cesc

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was keen to avoid too closely linking Jack Wilshere and Cesc Fabregas, but admitted that the player's - although very different - could be as good as each other in the future.

He told arsenal.com: "They are a different type of player because Jack is more a dribbler and Cesc is more of a passer. Jack is more a change-of-direction type of guy and Cesc is the quick vision. You can imagine the two of them together playing very good football. I think Jack has the same potential as Cesc and, like him, he has the character.

"He isn’t frightened of going into the challenge, he likes the physical game and is not fazed by anything; he takes the ball no matter where he is and no matter who he plays against - it is natural for him. Of course I think they can compliment each other, because Jack can play on the flanks or behind the striker. In fact I think he can play anywhere across midfield and up front."