Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere would prefer to stay in or near London should he leave the Gunners this season, with capital rivals West Ham being his preferred destination, according to The Independent's Jack Pitt-Brooke.

What's the word?

The England international's future is a hot topic at The Emirates this summer, with a move away looking increasingly likely considering his standing within the pecking order.

The midfielder remains a fan favourite in north London, despite spending last season on loan with Eddie Howe's Bournemouth, however it is clear he would not have a regular starting spot under Arsene Wenger should he stay put.

With that in mind, the 25-year-old, who has a young family to take into consideration, is keen to stay close to the capital and ranks Slaven Bilic and West Ham as his preferred choice should he have to swap clubs before the close of the window.

Will they risk it?

Wilshere has been hampered by injury for the entirety of his senior playing career. His year on loan with the Cherries, despite seeing him play more football than in recent years, ended in familiar fashion when he was forced off at White Hart Lane with a hairline fracture in his leg.

The Hammers, who have added Pablo Zabaleta, Joe Hart, Marko Arnautovic and Javier Hernandez already this summer, themselves have a torrid injury record in recent years - especially last term when key figures such as Andy Carroll, Michail Antonio and Winston Reid were sidelined for long spells.

Given their records, the powers that be in east London would be wary of adding another injury prone player to their fold. However, they may want to take note from Howe's team who meticulously managed the midfielder's workload to keep him match fit until circumstances they could not control ended his season.