Jack Wilshere’s agent needs to be brutally honest to save the 26-year-old’s career. Although Wilshere would prefer to remain in London, he needs to move abroad if the opportunity arises.
The simple truth is that none of the top five clubs in the Premier League have room for his talents. The only London clubs other than Chelsea, are West Ham and Crystal Palace, both of which can only guarantee mid table status or worse. So unless Wilshere wants to finish his career as the man who had so much talent but never realised it, he needs to cut all ties and move abroad.
Everton are rumoured to be interested but again, it gives the player who was at Arsenal for 17 years, no chance to show his worth, nor will it help his cause to regain an England shirt. Juventus are said to be interested and if that’s true, then Jack should be getting his cases out of the loft and consulting with Rosetta Stone.
It’s the only way for Wilshere’s career to reignite and to reveal the calibre of player he truly is. How I hope the next phase of his career is a success. I’d hate to think that all his natural gifts were to rot away in a decidedly average team, who’s only ambition is to avoid the drop or to have a decent run in the Carabao cup.
It’s hard to talk about Jack Wilshere without becoming protective of him. He has been at the club for so long and has established himself as a fan favourite, not just for his skill but for his love of the club. It feels as if Wenger’s departure closed the door on his chapter at Arsenal and with the current rebuilding programme at the north London club, his departure seemed more likely, once a new coach was appointed.
If there has been a failure on the players part, it’s not the endless injuries which we are continuously reminded of. It’s much more likely to be the failure to stamp his authority on the big games and control the midfield. Arsenal have lacked that type of creative but commanding figure and it appears that Emery has decided to look elsewhere.
It is sad news because one suspects, Wilshere had a genuine fondness for the club. He is a different type of player, one that has an affinity with the fans. A normal, yet talented and well paid young man, but one who doesn’t constantly crave the attention of the press or that wants his own brand of aftershave. He’s not at every red carpet event and isn’t seen coming out of clubs only to disappear in the latest fast car off the assembly line.
Deep down, Wilshere is all about the football, nothing more. He realises that his career has stalled and was looking forward to a new phase, under a new manager but it wasn’t to be. He will be missed and most Arsenal fans will want him to do well and prove the many doubters wrong.
