With yesterday’s news that Norwich City midfielder James Maddison had stated a preference to move to Leicester City this summer to be nearer his family home in Coventry, the press have had an interesting pivot to that revelation when it comes to the player we are now said to have more than a passing interest in.
I don’t believe we had been linked with Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere so far this summer, certainly nothing more in my mind that a solitary ‘and Southampton’ in reports lacking any real substance – but it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been wrong.
With Arsene Wenger heading out of the club last season and the appointment of Unai Emery as their new gaffer, Wilshere is out of contract this summer and has been linked with a number of sides – West Ham United are certainly prominent in that, as are newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sampdoria and AC Milan as the usual go-to’s.
He has been offered a new deal at the Emirates Stadium however but he’s yet to indicate which way he’ll go, although the Mirror suggest that the basis of his new deal would see him become more of a fringe player only.
Southampton and Mark Hughes are now being linked with an interest after the former England man drew a line under his long-standing fitness concerns by getting 38 games under his belt last year, with a return of two goals and six assists and with Emery stamping his own mark on the club with his targets, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Wilshere now move on.
For me though, I think in my humble opinion I’d rather prioritise James Ward-Prowse and help him get to the next level even though Wilshere still more than has years of use left under his belt. But if he remains fit and can get back to a more productive best he’d certainly be an interesting option for us in the middle of the park.
