Arsenal: Jack Wilshere shouldn’t just be staying in London

Jack Wilshere reportedly wants to stay in London amid interest from several clubs across the continent, but the Arsenal midfielder should be doing more than just staying in the capital city, he should be staying with the Gunners.

The inevitable sales of players are beginning to be put into motion. Up until mid-July, barring the usual departures of those whose contracts are expiring and who are clearly no longer a part of the long-term plan of the club, there hadn’t been a significant sale to talk of, despite the Arsenal squad consisting of many players who either wanted or needed to leave.

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There had, though, been much rumour and conjecture surrounding many different players, implying that sales were coming. Kieran Gibbs was the subject of an offer from West Bromwich Albion, Mohamed Elneny was linked to Leicester City, while Wojciech Szczesny, who has now completed his move to Juventus, was incessantly mentioned with an impending exit.

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It is undoubted that Arsene Wenger needs to sell certain players. This is a stagnating squad that is need of a refreshing with some new recruits. However, it is imperative that he sells the right players, those who will not be regretted if they leave and proceed to flourish at other clubs, only for Wenger to wonder ‘What if?’

One of those players is Jack Wilshere. After returning from a loan spell with Bournemouth, that Wenger said was to simply provide him with some consistent game time after several seasons scuppered by crippling injury issues, it has been rumoured that Wenger is looking to sell Wilshere on a permanent basis, with a number of European clubs interested in his signature, including Sampdoria who reportedly lodged an insulting £6 million offer.

Amid the interest from abroad, Wilshere, though, is allegedly intent on staying in or near to London. That should be the least of what he receives. Wilshere should not just be staying in London, he should be staying in North London, at the Emirates, with Arsenal team, offered a chance to forge a starting role for himself.

This is a player is an immense talent. His natural skill, the freedom that he plays, the understanding, the vision, the creativity, the ingenious little flicks and touches that few would even think to try. Wilshere has not lost his talent. He’s lost his fitness. Arsenal should not be selling a player of such undeniable ability. Patience is required, not ruthlessness.

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Will Wilshere ever be able to fulfil his exuberant potential? It is unlikely. However, there is little financial benefit in Arsenal selling him now. There is no risk in finding out if he can replicate the same effervescent form that he burst onto the scene with all those years ago. The reward, meanwhile, is massive, and it is worth exploring.