Crystal Palace have been reportedly weighing a temporary move for Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere yet again after they came dangerously close to it last summer. The English midfielder is currently at crossroads over his future at the North London club, where the competition in the midfield is growing fiercer every season.
If reports are to be believed, Arsenal have given him two options- either sign another deal and they might leave him on loan this season, or sell him altogether. And with the World Cup coming, Wilshere would need more game time under his belt to impress Gareth Southgate at all costs. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has reiterated his intention of giving the player yet another chance if he fights for the place.
And Arsenal’s gruelling Europa League fixtures would mean that Wilshere could get chances in the midweek clashes, which is a great opportunity to reclaim his lost spot in the side. A move to Palace could be another productive option too, who are in the market for an effective number 10 ahead of what looks like an exciting campaign for the Eagles.
Palace new boss Frank De Boer has arrived at Selhurst Park on the back of tremendous expectations that he failed to fulfil at Inter Milan last season. And someone like Wilshere could help him a long way in getting that. The Arsenal academy product is known for his superior technique and brilliant vision in the attacking third and could play a significant role for them next season.
Former Palace boss Sam Allardyce had little choice in the attacking third in his four-man attack. The option of Jason Puncheon, though brought pressure and urgency, had little creativity. The likes of Wilfred Zaha, Andros Townsend and Christian Benteke could work wonders with Wilshere’s phenomenal ball distribution.
And Palace are desperate to land the 25-yar-old, according to the Sun. A source told the news outlet, “Crystal Palace have made an approach and want Jack for the season. Jack is out of contract at the end of next season and Arsenal are offering him a new one. They will only loan him out if he signs a new contract — otherwise, they want to either sell him or keep him at the Emirates.”
Of course, injury remains the biggest and only concern with Wilshere at any club. The midfielder returned from his loan season at Bournemouth with a fractured left leg. He missed Arsenal’s pre-season tour to Australia but he is recovering well.
This the 13th time, Wilshere has been sidelined with an injury, which led him to miss over 180 games in the last eight years of his professional career. Hence, Palace surely won’t have him as the only option that role.
