Arsenal’s 2018 summer transfer window might be remembered for years to come as a game changer. If they are able to land stars who can make an immediate impact next season, the Gunners may well be able to see some glory days not too long after losing Arsene Wenger. But they will also have to work really hard to keep a few of their first team stars at the club. One such player, who is inching closer to an exit this summer is Jack Wilshere.
The English midfielder, having earned a tag as an injury-prone footballer, lost his place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad for England and is now desperate to sort his future out quickly. He broke into the European scene as a youngster under Arsene Wenger, showing great promise for the future.
However, injuries and lack of form have seen him drop down the pecking order at Arsenal, into a squad player. He would have been tempted to quit the club if Wenger stayed in charge but reports now suggest that Unai Emery is happy to keep him in London on a new long-term deal. However, Wilshere will be a free agent at the end of this month and his future lies in his hands now.
It is understood that the midfielder is happy to stay back with Arsenal, but needs assurances from Emery of his game time at the club. At 26, having already missed out on a chance to perform at a World Cup, the former Luton Town man will want to play as many games as possible and will look to sign for a club that can offer him the same, as a free agent.
Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus are now leading the race for his signature as they are ready to improve on his current wages, making him a priority signing. The Italian giants are also close to landing Emre Can on a free transfer from Liverpool and want to do the same with Wilshere but can Arsenal afford to lose him?
It is claimed that Emery sees Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka as regular starters next season while another midfield spot is still up for grabs. Wilshere will want to cement his place there if he stays at Arsenal but a lot will depend on Arsenal transfer dealing till the end of the transfer window.
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He is a gifted footballer and a match winner on his day but Arsenal might be tempted to search for upgrades as they look to start a new era at Emirates. Wilshere might be one of the most gifted playmakers in the league but losing him will not be the end of the world for the Gunners, who can certainly find an able replacement before the start of the next season.
They will want to resolve his future quickly but does Wilshere deserve another chance at Arsenal?
