Newcastle United have recently gained some ground in the race for Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere. Some reports have recently claimed that the Magpies are currently ahead of Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Everton on the hunt for the midfielder’s services. This report is mainly based on the latest odds released by the bookies, which has seen Newcastle United become the favourites for his signature with odds of 7/4 before the end of the January transfer window. However, the Tyneside club are in for some tough competition mainly from the Premier League with Crystal Palace [3/1], West Ham [10/3], Everton – whose odds have shortened recently from 4/1 to 7/2 – and AC Milan [5/1] make up a strong chasing pack.
Wilshere has just six months remaining on his current deal with the Gunners and might seek a move away from the Emirates after making only nine starts for the North Londoners this season. Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez may have some cash to splash when the transfer window commences next month with negotiations going on behind the scenes that would see Newcastle owner, Mike Ashley sell the club to a consortium headed by businesswoman Amanda Staveley.
It remains to be seen whether the takeover will happen on time for Benitez to get some reinforcements in January that could save the Magpies’ season.
The English midfielder put in an impressive performance against Newcastle United on Saturday in a game which Arsenal narrowly edged out by a Mesut Ozil wonder-strike. He has made a total of 17 appearances for the Gunners this season and has scored a goal and made four assists so far. With his contract running out at the end of this campaign, Arsene Wenger might be forced to sell him in January or risk losing him for free in six months time.
The Magpies have struggled to score enough goals this season which has seen them slump to 18th place in the Premier League table after their defeat against Arsenal recently. They have just managed to score 16 goals in 18 league matches and are now in danger of a possible relegation to the Championship, a nightmare that they had to go through in 2016.
If fit, Jack Wilshere can be as good as any midfielder on the planet. He is one of the versatile talents which Newcastle can definitely make use of. His qualities can decide any match and that is something that the Toon Army has been crying out for this season.
It remains to be seen whether the bookies are right in making Newcastle the favourites in the race for Wilshere’s signature.
