Arsenal: Jack Wilshere nothing to do with midfield signings

Arsenal are reportedly focusing on midfield recruitment in the summer amid the uncertainty of Jack Wilshere’s future. But the English midfield should have nothing to do with the need. With or without him, midfield signings are required.

As the summer window approaches, slowly, and Arsenal begin to make plans for what is sure to be an exciting and change-riddled transfer period, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: This is a squad that requires significant and wide-range investment.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast right here

The goalkeeping position is ageing without a clear succession plan. Centre-half has major issues, from troublesome form to unconvincing and retiring depth. Full back needs reinforcement in regards to depth and competition, while there is no natural winger in the squad whatsoever.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

However, I believe the biggest position of need this summer is central midfield, specifically, the defensive midfield role. Ever since the easing out of Gilberto Silva over a decade ago, Arsenal have lacked a clear and competent anchoring midfielder worthy of the role.

The latest to ply his trade in the position, Granit Xhaka, has some promising traits — a good range of passing, good reading of the game, strong size and stature. But, for the most part, he has failed to provide the necessary screening for a vulnerable defence, lacking the required athleticism, mobility and defensive acumen to consistently perform at a high level.

For some reason, per the latest reports in the Daily Telegraph, the Gunners, therefore, see the future of Jack Wilshere as something that will influence their transfer priorities and behaviour.

It isn’t quite a stance that I understand. While Wilshere is a talented player who, if he was to leave, would need replacing, his staying or going should not dictate the need to invest in the central midfield position. That need is quite plainly evident with or without Wilshere’s staying.

Assuming that Wilshere stays, and even with Aaron Ramsey also remaining at the club, Arsenal would still only have four central midfielders available in the squad — Ramsey, Wilshere, Xhaka, and Mohamed Elneny. Are any of them established, world-class players on which a title challenge can be hanged? Not really.

Even with Santi Cazorla thrown into the mix, and that is unlikely even with the most ambitious of thinking, it is hardly an inspiring and reliable collection of players at the most important position on the pitch. Contrast that to Manchester City’s options, for instance: David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Fernandinho, Ilkay Gundogan.

Next: Arsenal: Top 5 players to sell this summer

The Gunners’ need in central midfield is not contingent on the fate of Jack Wilshere. It is present with or without the oft-crocked midfielder, and so there transfer motivation should also be.