Arsenal sent their fax machine on the overdrive when they announced that they would allow Jack Wilshere to leave Emirates on loan. In what can be some sort of a record, the Arsenal midfielder reportedly got 22 offers in one day since the announcement with Arsenal very interested in the prospect of sending the player to a foreign league if possible. Finally, out of the queue, two clubs namely Crystal Palace and Bournemouth has made it to the final round and the player is to choose any one of them. With the player likely to make up his mind and announce his destination in a few hours we look at what the two clubs would offer for the player from the footballer’s perspective.
Crystal Palace
After a slow start in the transfer market, Pardew picked up the pace and showed real intent with his two latest signings in Christian Benteke for a club record fee of €31.2m and Loic Remy on loan from Chelsea. Andros Townsend and James Tomkins also arrived in the summer to impart some serious quality as the club aims to move forward in the league.
Wilshere is likely to pair up with Frenchman Yohan Cabaye in the midfield and given the strengths of the players they are likely to complement each other very well. A midfield of Cabaye and Wilshere will be the best pairing in the club’s history and would suit the team with their high pressing approach.
With the availability of flair on the wings in the form of Townsend and quality finishing upfront in the form of Benteke and Remy, Wilshere is going to get the maximum output from his forward passes. From the footballing perspective, it is a mouthwatering scenario one which the fans would be fixating about. Most importantly, the prospect of not having to shift bases (as the club is also in London) can be the crucial factor in Jack’s decision of making his move to Selhurst Park.
AFC Bournemouth
Bournemouth presents a whole different scenario and a different kind of challenge for Wilshere. The Cherries have assembled an exciting young squad with a young but very talented manager in Eddie Howe who really knows his tactics and believes in fluid attacking football as well. Their style of play would suit Wilshere more and Dean Court would be a place where he can develop a different side of his personality being the leader of a young bunch.
Bournemouth have great pace on the flanks something which would suit the passing style of the midfielder and can more frequently be in the midst of the action on the pitch. There’s also the chance of getting reunited with his compadre, Benik Afobe who has been one of his closest friends since their days in the Arsenal academy.
There’s no doubt that Wilshere would not only be one of the best signings in Bournemouth’s history but would also be a much more central figure on the pitch which will help him immensely getting back to his desired level. With an already exciting squad, Jack can be a part of a wonderful adventure under Eddie Howe at the club. The prospect of linking up with Afobe and the style of football would be the x-factor if Arsenal’s number 10 decides to make the trip 100 miles south of London.
