What does the future hold for Jack Wilshere?
As Arsenal embark upon a new era under Unai Emery, question marks have begun to be asked about the future of fans-favourite Jack Wilshere. At the age of 26, Wilshere is still seen as very much untapped potential and despite his numerous injury problems, is held in very high regard by the footballing fraternity. His lack of consistency in recent seasons cost him a place in England’s 2018 World Cup squad however and without Arsene Wenger at Arsenal as a father figure to him, it may be time for Wilshere to flee the nest and make a name for himself elsewhere.
Speculation is rife over his future and here we assess the options available to the enigmatic Englishman:
Jack the Hammer?
Wilshere is currently 10/11 to stay at Arsenal this summer with Bet Victor but should he or the club decide it’s time for him to leave, a move across London to West Ham currently looks the most likely outcome. The Hammers have plenty of financial clout and are always on the lookout for a marquee signing. Manuel Pellegrini is the new manager at the London Olympic Stadium and Wilshere’s industry in midfield would be an asset for the Chilean plus his battling style could be a real hit with the fans too. Whether Wilshere would want to go to West Ham is another matter with his Arsenal roots but he is currently 9/4 with Ladbrokes to be a Hammer next season.
One of Roy’s Boys?
Roy Hodgson is well-known as a long term admirer of Wilshere and it was under his stewardship that Wilshere became a fixture in the England team, having won 34 caps already in his career. Now in charge of Crystal Palace, Hodgson would love to lure Wilshere to Selhurst Park and with the likes of Wilfired Zaha already in his squad, will feel he’s assembling an impressive squad in Croydon. Similarly to West Ham, Wilshere may not feel Palace match his ambitions but if he is currently 9/4 with Bet Victor to be one of Roy’s boys at Crystal Palace next season.
Top Flight Interest?
It’s perhaps indicative of the crossroads Wilshere is at in his career that newly promoted Wolves are third favourites for his signature next season. Whilst they have money to burn and an impressive squad that shouldn’t be anywhere near the drop zone come next May, Wilshere at 26 should perhaps be operating on a higher level. It could be a great move for both clubs though and he is 5/1 with Betfred to ply his trade at Molineux next term. Marco Silva has been installed as the new manager at Everton and the Portuguese juggernaut is known for his shrewd deals in the transfer market and how he would love to capture Wilshere to keep things ticking in his busy midfield. At 6/1 with Bet Victor, Wilshere looks a good shout to move to Goodison Park this summer.
At the age of 26, it very much feels like high time for Jack Wilshere to announce himself on the Premier League stage. His 166 top-flight appearances have come over a 10 year period, indicative of the injury problems he has endured and perhaps it’s time for him to leave his boyhood club and become a man elsewhere.