Why Newcastle United signing Jack Wilshere for free would be a fantastic piece of business
Jack Wilshere has confirmed that he will leave Arsenal after being told he will not be a key figure in Unai Emery’s plans next season.
The 26-year-old was keen to stay at the Emirates but after talks with Emery earlier this month, Wilshere decided to leave Arsenal upon the expiry of his contract at the end of this month.
As the England international will be available for free next month, should Newcastle United make a move for him?
Wilshere, who made 197 first-team appearances for Arsenal, is famously known for his Man of the Match performance against Barcelona in the 2011 Champions League. He is undoubtedly talented but constant fitness and injury issues have seriously hampered the midfielder’s career.
However, Wilshere was finally able to steer clear of injuries last season as he played a total of 38 matches in all competitions and enjoyed a really good spell of form leading the Gunners to the Europa League semi-finals.
Despite failing to score much, the 26-year-old showed plenty of creativity and energy from midfield and dictated the tempo of the games with his passing abilities.
In the 38 games he played last term, Wilshere scored two goals and provided seven assists. His playmaking abilities would definitely be welcomed at St James’ Park. On paper, Wilshere would be a fantastic acquisition for Newcastle. When at his best, he is far superior to any of Newcastle’s current midfield options.
Calm and composed in possession, Wilshere is a classy operator and possesses magnificent technical ability, and would be able to dictate the tempo of the game from the base of Newcastle’s midfield. Otherwise, Wilshere could also line up in front of the midfield duo of Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame and play the role of a No.10.
The Magpies lack depth in their central midfield and attacking positions. The addition of Wilshere would provide some much-needed depth in Newcastle’s midfield whilst his experience and sheer quality will take the Tyneside-based club to a new level.
Although Wilshere’s career has been stagnated with injuries, he still managed to make 38 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season.
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Newcastle’s midfield looked clueless at times last season, so adding a player of Wilshere’s quality would be beneficial for the club. At 26, he still has a lot to offer and St.James Park could be the ideal destination for him to showcase his talents next season.
In any case, Benitez must not pass on the opportunity to sign Wilshere, especially as he is available on a free transfer.