Arsenal: Jack Wilshere Key To Unlocking Mesut Ozil Stalemate

Jack Wilshere is wanting to stay at Arsenal when he returns in the summer. He could well be the key to unlocking the Mesut Ozil contract stalemate.

Arsenal have always been a club that have prioritised the development of young players. Thanks to Arsene Wenger’s hesitancy to invest heavily in the transfer window, with his desire to find value, rather than overpay for the big names, there have often been the opportunities available for players to prove their worth on the biggest stage.

Related Story: Arsenal: 10 Reasons Arsene Wenger Extension Makes Sense

There have been many players for which that approach has been hugely beneficial. Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie, and more recently, the likes of Hector Bellerin and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Perhaps the figurehead of the tactic, though, is Jack Wilshere.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

A local boy, developed through the academy, bursting into the first team squad at the tender age of 16, blossoming into the midfield centrepiece at just 18. Wilshere was a tremendous talent of which much was thought of. Unfortunately, though, a series of injuries, primarily to his worryingly weak ankles, and positional uncertainty have seen his progression stented.

Such have been his struggles that Wenger was willing to loan out Wilshere this season, sending him to Bournemouth with the hope that a run of regular starts would provide him with some much-needed confidence in his own body. Now, though, as the season draws to a close, decisions must be made regarding both his short and long-term future. It is reported that Wilshere would like to stay at Arsenal beyond the summer but with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2018, doubt is still prevalent.

Mesut Ozil is another established member of the squad that also faces a summer littered with uncertainty. The German’s contract also expires in 2018 and has delayed negotiations on numerous occasions. As worries grow regarding his potential exit, Arsenal become increasingly weak at the negotiation table.

Perhaps the return of Wilshere could well be the key to the Ozil contract stalemate. If Wenger sees the former starlet as the ideal successor to the creative mantle of Ozil, then he may be willing to sell Ozil in the summer, bank the cash and reinvest it to address more pressing needs.

Next: Arsenal: 5 Players Who Must Improve Or Be Shipped Out

This summer is set to be a significant one for the club, for the make-up of the playing squad and for many of the individuals involved. Wenger’s opinion of Wilshere could well be a premonition that has long lasting ramifications.