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After serving the club for 17 years, Jack Wilshere is set to leave Arsenal on a free transfer. It's been a tough year for Jack Wilshere as he has also been left out of the England squad that is in Russia for the 2018 World Cup. Fabian Delph and Ruben Loftus-Cheek both played fewer games but were still preferred by Gareth Southgate. Jack Wilshere released the following statement on Instagram:
"Following a number of extensive conversations with those at the club, and in particular a recent meeting with the new manager Unai Emery, I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons. It was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay."
Jack Wilshere made his first-team debut for Arsenal in 2008 at the age of 16. Since then, he has gained many admirers, including the likes of Xavi and Pep Guardiola. Many Arsenal fans would connect him with the words 'passion', 'sweat' and 'determination'.
From his performance in Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Barcelona in 2011 to his scintillating goal against Norwich, Jack Wilshere has had moments where he was simply unplayable. However, after an injury prone career, the future is uncertain for the 26 year old. Proving his fitness is no longer his only challenge, as he looks to pursue new opportunities. Here are five clubs where he could resume his football career at:
#5 Everton
It has been a quiet transfer window for Everton till now. They have not signed or sold any player yet. However, strong links connect Jack Wilshere to the club. With the arrival of a new 'power couple' in the new manager, Marcos Silva and the new Chief Executive, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Everton are strong contenders for the signing of Jack Wilshere.
However, the links with Wilshere to The Toffees were during Sam Allardyce's time at the club. Sam Allardyce has showered praise for the 26-year-old and admitted that he is a huge admirer of his. However, with the exit of Sam Allardyce, all plans of signing Jack Wilshere could be thrown out of the window. Marcos Silva has already told that he is going to play a 4-3-3 system.
This could see Morgan Schneiderlin at the no.6 position and Gylfi Siggurdson further up as an attacking midfielder. Alongside the Frenchman, either Idrissa Gueye or Tom Davies will be deployed with a box to box role. This leaves very less room for Jack Wilshere. Would he fit into Marcos Silva's system?
This huge question could lead to Everton leaving all pursuits for Jack Wilshere. But Jack Wilshere is known to be a player who would fight for his spot in the team and despite the challenge, Everton could still prove to be a successful place for him to continue his career.
Furthermore, Morgan Schneiderlin is rumoured to be exiting the club with Marseille being the most likely destination(According to France Football and The Sun). According to Daily Mail, Everton are in contention for signing the 26-year-old.
#2 Wolverhampton
The newly promoted side is an exciting option for Jack Wilshere. The Wolves finished first in the championship with a total of 99 points, 9 more than second place Cardiff. This success is hugely credited to the new manager, Nuno. With the help of Fosun's takeover, Nuno was able to put his contacts in Portugal and Spain to good use and invested in talents like Ruben Neves, Willy Boly and Diogo Jota. This is also seen in the recent recruitment of Portuguese goalkeeper, Rui Patricio.
Wolves play a 3-4-3 which falls back as a 5-4-1 when defending. They play a pressing game with their pressing majorly taking place when the opposition is unable to control the ball when the opposition plays the ball wide or simply when the opposition is facing their own goal. Majority of this pressing takes place in their own half.
The wide players are able to press down the opposition at wide positions which forces the latter to play a more narrow game. This is when the central midfielder gets involved. They funnel down to win the ball in the middle of the park. Once, they win the ball, they are able to use the width and attack on the counter with pace.
As we know, Jack Wilshere is a determined player. He presses the opposition at every opportunity he gets and wins the ball back as well. This perfectly meshes into the Wolves style of play. However, many similarities are seen between Ruben Neves and Jack Wilshere. Ruben Neves is unlikely to leave the club and Wolves could be another team where Wilshere would miss out on football.
#3 Juventus
Although Jack Wilshere has tremendous technical ability, he is unable to catch up with the physical side of the game and is not as quick as he used to be. Furthermore, his injury issue may continue if he plays high tempo and quick football. Therefore, a move abroad might seem to be a sensible option for the 26-year-old.
With Juventus willing to table a four-year deal worth £4m-per-season, the Allianz Stadium could well be Jack Wilshere's next home ground.'The Old Lady' is keen to bring in Jack Wilshere as well as Liverpool's Emre Can on free transfers.
Since Pogba's departure to Manchester United, the role of a box to box midfielder has been left empty. Jack Wilshere's energy and determination could see him blend into the Juventus system quickly.
Playing alongside the likes of Dybala and Higuain as well as having a stable defence allows Wilshere to play a fluid game. This will hugely benefit him in his quest to again find footing in his career and to work towards the national team. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Juventus contacted the 26-year-old midfielder’s camp about moving to Turin.
#4 Crystal Palace
Jack Wilshere could reunite with former England boss, Roy Hodgson. This move to Crystal Palace will not only benefit Jack Wilshere but Crystal Palace as well. With Yohan Cabaye's contract expiring, the 32-year-old Frenchman is set to leave The Eagles.
This means Crystal Palace will be hunting for a new midfield partner to play alongside Luka Milivojević. Roy Hodgson showered praise on Jack Wilshere, calling him the perfect player to play alongside Milivojević.
Another player who would benefit from this move is Christian Benteke. The goal-shy striker was able to find the net only thrice last season. Jack Wilshere's passing range and technical ability will provide more delivery for the Belgian and could take Crystal Palace into the top half of the table.
Roy Hodgson is looking to strengthen his Palace squad after guiding them to survival last season and has targeted the ace as a potential addition, according to the Daily Mirror. Cabaye's departure would free up his £100,000 a week salary from the wage bill.
Unai Emery offered Jack Wilshere a contract worth £110,000 a week but the 26-year-old refused due to lack of football. Therefore, Crystal Palace are more than capable of landing Jack Wilshere and working on the revival of his career at Selhurst Park.
#5 West Ham United
West Ham are strong favourites to sign Jack Wilshere. The arrival of Manuel Pellegrini has seen a complete revamp of the club. The midfield, in particular, was a disappointing area for The Hammers this season and they will look to improve it.
West Ham have already completed the signings of Lukas Fabianski and Issa Diop. They are hopeful to also land the signing of 42 million rated, Felipe Anderson from Lazio and Jack Wilshere on a free. If they are able to sign all four players, it will definitely be a successful transfer window for The Irons
With the ageing Mark Noble losing his impact on games, Jack Wilshere will inject enthusiasm, energy and passion into the side. He will allow West Ham to play free-flowing and passing football rather than taking the direct route. He could be partnered alongside Yaya Toure, another transfer target for West Ham. Furthermore, his father is a West Ham fan. This could be a huge factor that influences his decision.
According to The Sun, in a bid to convince Wilshere to make the move across London, he has been informed that Pellegrini wants to make him one of his most important players at the London Stadium.
As West Ham filling the void in midfield, Jack Wilshere could be the answer to all problems. The deal will be benefit mutually as Jack Wilshere will be playing football week in and week out. The London Stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in Europe and could be packed with supporters singing "Super Jack" come next season.
