Jack set for January sales
JACK WILSHERE is facing a huge January dilemma as he looks to force his way into Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans.
Southgate is keen to include Arsenal’s creative midfielder in his England squad for Russia but has told him he needs to be playing regular first-team football.
Having returned from a loan spell at Bournemouth last season, Wilshere has played just 25 minutes in the Premier League this term, though he has been a regular in the League Cup and Europa League, making eight appearances in all competitions.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said last week: ‘A super-fit Jack, I don’t know how you can keep him out of the English squad.’
Aside from last season’s Bournemouth spell and a loan to Bolton in 2010, Wilshere has played all his football at Arsenal. He joined the club aged nine and is desperate to prove to Wenger that he can hold down a first-team place and earn a new contract.
But with first-team football far from guaranteed, he is concerned he will have to pursue a January move if he is to be included in the England party for Russia.
The 25-year-old is approaching the final six months of his contract, which complicates any potential winter switch. From January 1, he is free to sign a pre- contract deal to move in the summer with any foreign club.
A loan move in the new year could also prove problematic as it would mean Arsenal writing off the final months of his contract with no promise of financial recompense.
That is likely to leave Wilshere looking at a permanent move away, something he is understood to be reluctant to do.
One potential scenario could see Wilshere sign a new contract before leaving on loan. West Ham and Crystal Palace would both jump at the chance of signing him in January.