According to a recent interview by Football Insider, Premiership giants Rangers have been touted to sign injury-prone former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere by former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie. The report suggests that Steven Gerrard has already made contact over a potential move, but McAvennie insisted that he should only be signed on a specific pay-as-you-play deal. This is effectively an attempt to counter the Englishman’s tendency to pick up slight niggles and miss week after week of football action.
Although McAvennie tips Jack Wilshere to be a good signing for Rangers, whether or not the midfielder is willing to make the switch to Scotland remains to be seen. Speaking to Football Insider, he said, “Rangers would be a great move for him. I am sure they would be delighted to sign him but they cannot afford to sign somebody that will be injured all the time. Unless he is going there on a pay-as-you-play deal, Rangers cannot afford him. That is the only way. If he plays he is a wonderful player. There is no doubt about it. Could he come up to Scotland and do it? I do not know.”
What Is Rangers’ Current Midfield Situation?
The Ibrox club started the campaign with several distinct options to choose from in the central midfield role. Over the last many weeks, various names within the roster have begun to drop like flies though, and this has left Gerrard in a rather sensitive predicament. Ryan Jack, Glen Kamara and Steven Davis are the three holding midfield options, while Joe Aribo and Scott Arfield are the options for the more advanced role. Among the list of injuries, knocks were picked up by Joe Aribo and Ryan Jack – both of who are first-team starters.
The loan addition of South African ace Bongani Zungu is sure to help their cause, but a player with Wilshere’s skill-set is something that the Gers don’t currently boast. Aribo started the season in blistering fashion before Scott Arfield seemed to carry the torch forward after the youngster got injured. Zungu would be an alternative option for one of the holding players, and wouldn’t be able to operate in that number ten slot. This is exactly where a player of Wilshere’s quality and experience would be useful to Gerrard’s men.
What Makes Jack Wilshere A Good Option For Rangers?
The Englishman was a product of the Arsenal academy and had been touted for big things from a very tender age. Despite the initial signs being extremely positive, a host of injuries over the course of his career have come as a massive deterrent. Wilshere last played for Premier League outfit West Ham United, who decided to terminate his contract a year early and release him just a few days ago. This means that his services would be available to secure on a free transfer. An excellent passer in midfield, Wilshere’s ball-carrying skills as well as his ability to make late runs into the box will be extremely useful to Gerrard’s men.
McAvennie Tips Jack Wilshere To Be A Good Signing For Rangers: Should Gerrard Go For It?
The Gers have lacked a solid presence in attack, and apart from Scott Arfield, goals from that area of the pitch have been limited over recent weeks. Bringing in a player of Wilshere’s pedigree would not only address this situation but would also improve the general quality of the Rangers squad. Although injuries have always been a problem for the Englishman, the fact that he has been fully fit for over a year now will come as a positive sign. If the Ibrox club can bring him into the side and ensure that he stays fit, this could be a move that pays massive dividends for Gerrard’s men.
