Arsenal: Jack Wilshere demotion more of an invitation

Arsenal has sent Jack Wilshere down to the U23 level to ‘try to get some fitness’ but while it is technically a demotion, it’s moreso an invitation.

Arsenal has always been patient with Jack Wilshere as the prodigal son of the Emirates has struggled with injury upon injury upon injury upon injury upon…

But with the progress the club has been making to buck the old habits and adopt some new ones, it only makes sense that they are flirting with the idea of cutting the patience out. Which is why Wilshere has been so heavily tied to exits despite being back in full Arsenal training.

Newcastle, Sampdoria, Juventus and more have all been tied to a move for the England international, as a change in scenery might work the magic needed to get Wilshere a fresh start.

However, the midfielder returned to full Arsenal training right when everyone else did, making it apparent what the fracture he sustained at Bournemouth last year had healed and he was ready for action. Except that that action wouldn’t be at the senior level. It would be at the U23s.

It’s not the strangest thing in the world to see such a “demotion” following a major injury. Wilshere hasn’t had any first team action since he returned from Bournemouth and it’s necessary to see how he holds up before you go tossing him into the fray.

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Which is why I don’t see this move as a demotion at all. Many are saying this is the end of Wilshere, as he has full match fitness and therefore should be with the first team, but to me it looks more like a multifaceted invitation.

On one side, you are inviting other teams to make bids. Clearly that part is working, if the rumors are to be believed, and it’s easy to see why. A first team player being used with the U23s is a token sign that bids are absolutely welcome.

But more than that, it is another invitation for Wilshere. Do something special at the youth level and you just know what Arsene Wenger will be open to giving him another shot with the first team. Especially with Santi Cazorla out indefinitely and a replacement for him still needed.

Alexis Sanchez is also still a massive question mark, so I can’t see why Wilshere wouldn’t accept this invitation, put in 90 minutes with the U23s and make his intention to touch down with the first team clear.

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There’s no reason why this demotion has to be a final, killing blow to his North London career.

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