Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has urged Jack Wilshere to step up to the next level after deciding to part ways with the Gunners. The England international had the option of a three-year contract on the table with a small pay-cut but he opted against the deal after failing to receive assurances of regular gametime under Unai Emery.

As such, he is due to leave the Emirates at the expiry of his contract this month and Welbeck has spoken positively about the midfielder’s decision. Speaking to reporters, he said: “Obviously Jack with his contract, it was running out and it’s come to an end.The contract was there for him to sign and he’s decided that it’s best for him to leave.

“He feels like it’s come to a time where he’s made that decision and he’s got to move on and I think he’s got to be positive with it.He’s got to take the opportunity with two hands and try and improve and just keep getting better and better and try and take that next step that’s going to get him the next level.”

Wilshere has struggled with multiple injury concerns over the past few years but he had a decent 2017/18 campaign with the Gunners, where he made 38 appearances across all competitions. Nonetheless, only 12 of them were starts in the Premier League starts and his occasional fitness concerns cost him a place with England for the summer World Cup.

Wilshere has yet to decide on which club he would be joining but according to Sky Sports, there are plenty of offers at stake for the Stevenage-born ace. Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham United, and Everton are some of the Premier League sides who have expressed an interest whilst Serie A trio Juventus, Sampdoria and AC Milan are also monitoring his recent developments.