Juventus want Arsenal midfield maestro

New Delhi, February 16: Italian giants Juventus have made an enquiry about Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, according to reports in England.

The English international's contract with Arsenal expires in the summer and it has been reported that Liverpool are interested in the 26-year-old.

However, the Reds now have to fend off competition from the club that is the master of making the best free transfers.

Juventus are also close to landing Liverpool midfielder Emre Can on a free transfer in the summer.

The only good news here for Liverpool will be that Wilshere's move to Juventus does not give him a regular spot in the starting XI which is also the reason why he is delaying a contract extension at the Emirates.

There are also reports that Wilshere might end up signing a contract extension at Arsenal if he is promised regular playing time.

Wilshere will reportedly accept a basic-wage pay-cut to stay at boyhood club Arsenal - though will be able to earn extra through a series of bonuses.

He earns £110,000 a week on his existing deal but will see that slashed to £90,000 a week.

As Wilshere's deal runs out in the summer, he is technically able to sign a pre-contract offer with foreign clubs.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has begged fans to believe him when he says he will tie Wilshere's future down to the Emirates - like he did with Mesut Ozil.

He said: "We try to make progress and I told you that many times for Ozil. You never believed me.

“I’m positive as I want him to stay. I do the maximum to make him happy.”

Wilshere's career has been revived since returning to Arsenal after an up and down season on loan at Bournemouth.

There are still doubts on his fitness levels but the Englishman has managed to stay fit this season and do quite well in the middle of the park.