{"id":1322,"date":"2018-04-19T08:22:37","date_gmt":"2018-04-19T13:22:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=1322"},"modified":"2018-04-19T08:22:37","modified_gmt":"2018-04-19T13:22:37","slug":"wenger-responds-to-vieira-speculation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=1322","title":{"rendered":"Wenger Responds to Vieira Speculation"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has played down speculation over his future at the Emirates Stadium amid reports linking Patrick Vieira with the manager’s job.<\/p>\n

Former Gunners midfielder Vieira is currently in charge at New York City in Major League Soccer.<\/p>\n

Wenger added: “My personal situation is not so much my worry at the moment. My worry is to transform the season into a success.”<\/p>\n

When asked if he will make his own mind up on his future, Wenger added: “That doesn’t really matter.”<\/p>\n

Wenger also says he is “confident” midfielder Jack Wilshere will sign a new contract at the club.<\/p>\n

Wilshere’s current deal runs out in the summer and, despite an offer being on the table, the 26-year-old is yet to agree terms.<\/p>\n

“I cannot give you any news,” said Wenger at his pre-match press conference. “I don’t know really what is in his mind.<\/p>\n

“He has not signed, he has an offer and we want him to stay. The offer is a long-term contract and I hope at some stage he will sign it. I am always confident.<\/p>\n

“As a club you want the players to stay and be paid well and I think everyone would agree we pay our players very well.”<\/p>\n

Wenger also revealed Henrikh Mkhitaryan could return for the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Atl\u00e9tico Madrid next Thursday.<\/p>\n

Mkhitaryan was expected to be out for a while with a knee injury but Wenger says the midfielder is on the road to recovery.<\/p>\n

“Mkhitaryan is running again, he has to progress in the next three or four days,” said Wenger. “Possibly (fit for) Thursday, that is the earliest.”<\/p>\n

Arsenal, who are 14 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham in the Premier League, face West Ham at home on Sunday.<\/p>\n

Wenger added: “For us it (the Europa League) is the biggest priority now.<\/p>\n

“This weekend is preparation for Thursday. I rested most players after the (CSKA) Moscow game and they will need a game.”<\/p>\n

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