Everton are the latest suitors for Jack Wilshere’s services as Arsenal struggles to tie down the central midfielder beyond the summer of 2018. The 26-year-old is expected to take a pay-cut for his new contract and that is not ideal for a long-serving first-team player. Arsene Wenger and the bosses at Emirates are still negotiating a deal and if an agreement is not met by the end of the season, the Gunners will see their wonderboy make the shock move to any of the interested parties.
Wilshere’s departure will be a heavy blow to Arsenal’s midfield prospects especially after relying on him so heavily while some of the key players got sold off. The 26-year-old made his much-awaited return to the Arsenal lineup in mid-September, against FC Koln in the Europa League group stage.
He slowly worked his way to full90 minute appearances and successfully captained the North London club to the knockout stages of the competition. Even though recurring injuries will always raise questions of player’s longivity in this physically imposing game, Wilshere has proved his abilities by sticking to a strict regiment of diet and discipline.
He currently holds the key to the Arsenal midfield and gets mostly featured from the holding midfield position alongside, Granit Xhaka. Aaron Ramsey is on the bitter end of another injury crisis and Francis Coquelin’s club exit has also made it easier for Wilshere to get selected regularly.
Arsenal’s recent form in contrary is very different to what Wilshere has shown us. In a low morale squad, he has been a live wire and has almost shadowed the inconsistencies of Mesut Ozil – one of the best players in the team. He has already racked up 5 assists and 2 goals, one of them coming against Chelsea in the 2-2 draw.
Arsenal have already handed out generous contracts to Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan over the January window and Wilshere would expect to receive the same amount of generosity. It seems like his injury history is one of Arsenal’s biggest concerns even though the player has proven his fitness over the season.
Even though Wilshere is loyal to the Gunners, he might have to consider the lucrative deals that other European clubs will be able to provide him. Everton’s high expenditure in recent times will form a colourful picture in the eyes of promising youngsters but it might not be enough to lure away Wilshere without the prospect of European football.
