Jack Wilshere was hailed as the next England superstar when he first broke into the Arsenal team in 2008. His time with Arsenal spanned 17 years and yet he is still only 26 years old. The future looked so bright for him but injuries plagued his Gunners career and he only really showed glimpses of playing at the highest level. It seemed like every time he had a run of good performances, a new injury would emerge.
Arsenal’s transitional period
Arsenal is going through a much-needed transition right now with Arsene Wenger recently making way for a new era of management. Unai Emery is the man tasked with ringing in the changes and it looks like Wilshere’s departure is a big statement indicating the new manager’s plans.
For your love, for your commitment and fighting spirit, for THAT Norwich goal, for the FA Cups, for the 2013/14 goal of the season, for the 2014/15 goal of the season, for the 197 appearances, for the 17 years and for just being you…
THANK YOU @JACKWILSHERE ❤️#GoodLuckJack pic.twitter.com/bcHCPcxqpn
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) June 19, 2018
Wilshere was willing to stay
Wilshere revealed that he had recently agreed to a financial reduction in order to stay with his boyhood team but it appeared that Emery did not see him in the first team plans. This leaves Wilshere looking for a new club whilst the England team that he was predicted to play a big part in looks to bring the World Cup home, whilst he watches on TV.
Recent seasons
A loan spell at Bournemouth in the 2016-2017 season saw Wilshere find his feet again and things were looking up. He chose to go out on loan to prove his fitness but then towards the end of the season, he picked up a hairline fracture in his fibula, missing the rest of the season. He returned to Arsenal where the highlight of his 2017-2018 season was a goal against Chelsea. He failed to make the England squad for the World Cup, with many pundits claiming Southgate did not want to take the risk on fitness with Wilshere.
What next for Wilshere?
Wilshere is an attractive signing for most Premier League clubs, as he will be available on a free transfer. However, given his injury history, teams will be reluctant to pay big wages for a player that has spent so much time in the treatment room. The fact that he is classed as a homegrown player might tempt some of the teams like Manchester City that have struggled to meet the Premier League quota for home grown players historically. However, it is quite unlikely that he would make it into their starting XI.
Teams like Newcastle that have the capability to offer good salaries may offer Wilshere a lifeline, although Newcastle will probably need to sort out their ownership before a deal like this gets agreed. He may opt to try his luck abroad, particularly as he has had such a close affinity with Arsenal for so long and he may find it difficult to play against them.
