Hit the road, Jack – where could Arsenal midfielder Wilshere ply his trade this season?
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Updated 30/08/2016 at 11:13 GMT
Arsenal are reportedly open to loaning out Jack Wilshere in order for the midfielder to play regular first-team football this season.
Jack Wilshere
Image credit: Reuters
Given that the 24-year-old has made just two appearances off the bench so far this season, it may come as little surprise to Arsenal fans.
What is bizarre however, is the amount of time Arsenal have left themselves before the transfer window closes, as they will have to close a deal before 11pm on Wednesday.
So as the clock ticks down, where would Wilshere fit in? Does a move abroad suit the England international?
Closer to home
A loan move to another London club would not unsettle Wilshere.
Tottenham and Chelsea are certainly not options, but Crystal Palace would certainly be a better fit for Wilshere.
Alan Pardew admitted Palace’s transfer dealings were not over this summer, and Wilshere would complement Yohan Cabaye in the centre of midfield, although fans of James McArthur may think otherwise.
West Ham’s current injury list is lengthy, but those who would fight Wilshere for a starting berth are currently all fit, though he is certainly capable of holding down a starting spot at the Hammers.
Would Slaven Bilic be willing to take on another player who could take up more space in the physio room? Perhaps not.
League safety
The question is, where in the Premier League can we safely say Wilshere would play regularly?
Middlesbrough have reportedly shown an interest, though it remains to be seen whether Wilshere would want to join the newly-promoted side.
European football is still a prospect if the Arsenal player moves to Southampton, who could be willing to bolster their squad ahead of a demanding Europa League campaign.
Having splashed out on Idrissa Gueye in central midfield, Everton may overlook Wilshere, though many would argue he is an improvement on the former Aston Villa player.
A move to Southampton or Everton feels like the right fit for Wilshere, there would be enough for him to not walk into their starting XIs, but if he stays injury-free, he would certainly impress.
Heading to Europe?
There are plenty of Champions League teams where Wilshere could start.
Rumours suggest Juventus are interested in the midfielder – a replacement for Paul Pogba he is not, but Wilshere could certainly be a season-long stop-gap for the Italian champions as they look to replace their former talisman.
A move to Valencia has also been touted, mainly to sweeten the deal of Shkodran Mustafi's impending move to London.
While at Barcelona, Pep Guardiola said, “we have many players [like Wilshere] in the second team”, so it would be interesting to see whether a jaunt in Spain would help or hinder Wilshere.
Given Eric Dier’s successful upbringing at Sporting Lisbon, we feel a move to Portugal would be great for Wilshere, who has fallen behind the Spurs midfielder in the England reckoning.
Sporting would offer Wilshere a fresh challenge and take him somewhat away from the limelight, as a move to another Premier League club would only lead to more scrutiny over his performances.
Wilshere obviously needs to remain fit, but he and Arsenal will only benefit if he competes at the highest level. Regardless, there is little time between now and finding out where he could end up.
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