Had Jack Wilshere left Arsenal at the end of last season on a Bosman, many wouldn’t have batted an eyelid. A lot might have mourned the lost potential but they’d have probably thought it was the best thing for all concerned given the midfielder’s injury issues.

But fate decided it would be this summer and not last for Jack’s contract to run down and now the player seems to be back in-shape and he’s once again doing well for the Gunners.

Despite his return to fitness and form, the North London club haven’t been able to agree terms with the England international regarding a new deal.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger stated earlier in the week that he’d love to keep hold of the midfielder:

‘I want Jack to sign very quickly and I am happy to find the pen for him.’

‘Talks are progressing but the decision belongs to him and we have to respect that. Our desire has been clearly expressed and numbered and, after that, the player has to find satisfaction as well.’

Today various news outlets are suggesting that the two parties are miles apart and that Wilshere could be ready to seek his fortunes elsewhere and, for me, that could be a bad thing for the Premier League club.

So far this term, the Englishman has made twenty-seven appearances for the Gunners. In those games, he’s managed to score twice and create three assists.

More importantly, for me, is the fact that Jack shows more desire and has a deep love for the club.

On the pitch; it’s Wilshere who gets stuck in and rolls his sleeves up when everyone else seems to go missing. He’s very smart and efficient with his keen passing ability. With the ball at his feet, he doesn’t shrink and instead he tries to take it forward. When others have it, Jack shows a willingness to bomb forward and get beyond the teammate who has the ball. These are qualities that this Arsenal team needs. They need more heart and Jack Wilshere always tries to give them that when he’s in a Gunners shirt.

He’s still only twenty-six years old, so if he has finally overcome his fitness woes then he should be heading into his peak years as a professional footballer.

While he hasn’t lived up to his early potential yet and he still has mistakes within his game, the player is continuing to improve and he’s still learning. His performances this season have proven that to us. Whether it’s in the middle of the park our as a number ten, Jack has impressed during this campaign with his tenacious displays.

Off  the park, a story keeps coming to mind that shows his dedication to the football club.

In November of last year, there was a documentary celebrating the achievements of the Arsenal team that won the top division of English football in 1989. Yet the only current first team player to go to the premiere was Wilshere. That should shows you the affection he has for his side.

Yet Arsenal supposedly want to keep the player on reduced terms and on an incentive based deal. Now while I understand where they are coming from, the player now holds most of the cards when it comes to negotiating a new contract.

His performances this year will have caught the eye of a few good clubs and those teams will offer him a big deal if he becomes available on a free transfer. We know that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been an admirer of Wilshere in the past. Chelsea have been bringing in more English talent in recent years and Liverpool might be in the market for a new midfielder when the summer transfer window opens.

If Arsenal were to let their homegrown star leave for zilch and watch him shine elsewhere in the league, then that could be too much for the home fans at the Emirates.

Every deal represents a gamble but for Arsenal, I think it makes more sense in keeping those that love the club there and watch them battle for every tackle and point!

Posted on March 1st, 2018 by scott
Filed under: Article