Despite Arsenal seeing a major clear out this summer, which more than anything has unburdened their wage structure, there have remained some surprising names in the squad who weren’t expected to. The news outlets have been feeding the fans throughout the summer that club would part ways with the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil, Mohamed Elneny, Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshere and more.
However, while the fans got some shocks in the sale of Gabriel Paulista and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain, they would be relieved that the likes of Wilshere and Chambers have stuck to the side and would fight for their place now.
Arsenal’s most popular academy product, Jack Wilshere, was subjected to huge speculation after returning from his loan stint with Bournemouth last season. The likes of West Ham United and the Cherries wanted him, which was followed by a shocking bid from Championship side Birmingham City.
As per reports, Wilshere had received a massive offer of staggering £90,000 a week on the deadline-day by Birmingham, but the player rejected it. While Arsene Wenger was keen to have him in the squad, he was clear about letting Wilshere choose his future as ahead of a World Cup year where he could get a chance to impress Gareth Southgate.
But Wilshere clearly didn’t want to drop down into the Championship at this stage of his career. And soon after his rejection, Arsenal had included him in the 25-man Premier League squad. While it is a huge risk given his injury history, his availability could be a huge boost to the Arsenal side by all means.
As soon Arsenal resumes their campaign following the international break, the Gunners face the likes of Bournemouth, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion on the trot. And given the terrible start to the season, the Gunners have no option but to win those games.
However, to impede their focus would be the Europa League group stage fixtures in between, where the Gunners face the likes of FC Koln and BATE Borisov. They also host Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Cup third round and Wenger would want his first team to be as fresh as possible for the league challenge amidst all this.
And it is in games like this that the likes of Alex Iwobi, Jack Wilshere, Jeff Rene Adelaide, Calum Chambers, Reiss Nelson come to action. Wilshere’s level is undoubtedly higher than this and with a long season ahead of him, the player is fortunate to get so many games to prove himself and get back to the first eleven.
