Real Betis believe they are close to pulling off a massive coup by convincing Arsenal star Jack Wilshere to move to Spain.
Wilshere is in the final year of his £90,000-a-week contract at the Emirates and boss Arsene Wenger is keen for the midfielder to extend his stay in North London.
Wenger is hoping to convince the midfielder his future is at Arsenal and wants a deal agreed before the January windows opens.
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SunSport have been told the Spaniards have made contact with Wilshere and his representatives, with the player open to moving to La Liga on a free transfer next summer.
Betis managed by Quique Setien are keen to add Wilshere to their ranks and will hope the offer of a fresh start in a new country will appeal to the England international.
Beticos have enjoyed a good start to the campaign and are eighth in La Liga, with Wilshere’s team-mate Joel Campbell currently on loan at the Benito Villamarin stadium.
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Betis could push for a cut-price deal in January if talks between Wilshere and Arsenal don’t happen or reach a stalemate.
Another option would be to convince him to sign a pre-contract in January when players are a free to talk to overseas clubs in the final six months of their deal.
The Gunners academy product has struggled to force his way back into Wenger’s plans after returning from his injury suffered while on loan at Bournemouth last season.
Wilshere, who was left out of England’s 25-man squad for the glamour friendlies against Germany and Brazil, has only seen 25 minutes of Premier League action this term.
The midfielder’s game time has been restricted to the Europa League and Carabao Cup.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate insisted Wilshere cannot be picked if he can’t get a game for his club side.
Southgate said: “I don’t know how you get in an England squad without getting in the Arsenal team.
“We just need to see him playing before he comes back in because unfortunately there has been a history of injuries.
“We think he is a top player so for me it’s about game time.”
“There is no question about his ability, his football brain or personality.”
