Wenger plans to keep Wilshere

Wilshere: Staying at Arsenal

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• Marouane Chamakh

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  • Laurent Koscielny

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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed he plans to keep Jack Wilshere at the club for the new season.

Wilshere enjoyed a successful loan spell at Bolton last season and was tipped to go out on another loan this term.

Bolton have expressed a keen interest in bringing the talented midfielder back to the Reebok Stadium, while a number of other Premier League sides are understood to be monitoring the 18-year-old's situation.

However, Wenger insists Wilshere will stay at Arsenal as he is set to figure in his plans for the upcoming campaign.

"I think I will keep him (this season)," Wenger said. "He can play on the flank or in the middle, deeper or wider as well. He should get a few games."

Praise

Meanwhile, Wenger was happy with the performances of new duo Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny on their home debuts against AC Milan.

The two summer signings made their Emirates Stadium bows in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Milan in the Emirates Cup.

Chamakh, who joined on a free transfer from Bordeaux, scored for Arsenal, while Koscielny, a £10million arrival from Lorient, looked assured at the back alongside Thomas Vermaelen.

Wenger was impressed by the pair and believes they will prove valuable additions to the squad.

"Chamakh had good presence up front, and played a good intelligent game. He and Koscielny did very well," said Wenger.

"We wanted a player up front who can play for the team and works hard, who can go into combinations and at the back, someone who was calm, can read the game and play the ball out.

"Of course it is only one game, but their attitude in training is very good and they can only improve."