It must have been a tough decision for Jack Wilshere to leave Arsenal, he’d been at the club for seventeen years after all, but ultimately I think his departure is best for all concerned.

Jack was very honest with the reason on why he’s decided to leave the Emirates:

“Following my meeting with the new manager I was made aware that although the reduced contract offer remained, it was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay.

“I am sure everyone can understand that at this point in my life and career I need to be playing first-team football and following my meeting with Mr Emery I came away feeling that it would be very difficult for me to do so at Arsenal.”

Wilshere has a real affinity with the Gunners and he’s one of the players that the home fans could relate to, as he was basically one of them.

The midfielder is a terrific performer on his day but injuries have stalled his progress in recent years.

During the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons, Jack only made seventeen appearances. He was loaned out to AFC Bournemouth during the 2016-17 campaign and managed to get more game time at the Vitality Stadium.

Last term, Wilshere was back at The Gunners and made thirty-eight appearances in all competitions (twenty-nine starts). That was a massive step in the right direction and the central midfielder looked very accomplished when on the ball and he was one of very few Arsenal stars that showed any passion and urgency when the chips were down.

Tellingly though, outgoing boss Arsene Wenger just started the Englishman twelve times in the Premier League. It was as if the manager didn’t trust Jack not to breakdown under the pressures that the English top flight can provide.

There’s also plenty of competition for places and that will only get bigger when Lucas Torreira signs on for the club.

New Arsenal boss Unai Emery obviously wants to freshen things up at the Emirates and solidifying the spine of the team seems to be a priority.

In recent years, Jack Wilshere has become a bit of a distraction at Arsenal. Injuries, contact negations and playing time have caught the attention of both support and the media. Those are issues a manager can be doing without.

The player himself will hopefully seize the opportunity to concentrate on becoming fully fit and shining for another club. He needs to use this disappointment as a spur to get his career back on track.

Wilshere is still just twenty-six years of age, hopefully he’s just heading into his peak years. He’s a determined player, an intelligent midfielder, has great vision and he links up well with teammates.

Last season, he scored twice and created five assists. Those stats should only improve if he get’s to play regularly from the start with his new team.

I hope the English international gives serious thought to playing abroad next season.

Italy seems to be a possible destination with Sampdoria, AC Milan and Juventus all believed to be interested in the creative midfielder.

Getting away from the limelight that follows him in England could be the best thing for Jack at this time. Serie A is a league that likes technically strong players and you probably get more time on the ball there, that should suit the midfielder’s style.

Adapting to a new league and a new culture could be the making of Jack Wilshere and get him back into the England set-up.

Here’s hoping that the midfield star can stay fit and reach his potential at a new club.

Posted on June 20th, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article