Barcelona legend Xavi shares thoughts on Jack Wilshere’s potential loan exit

Follow us on Google Discover

The Arsenal midfielder could leave before the transfer deadline.

Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi coming up against Celtic’s Scott Brown

Barcelona legend Xavi has given his take on the news that Jack Wilshere has been made available for loan, in quotes published by Goal.com.

Reports emerged today – via the likes The Guardian – that claimed Arsenal would allow the 24-year old to leave for first-team football, and Xavi sees the merit behind a move.

Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere

“A loan move can be a good move for him,” said the 36-year old. “He needs to be playing, he needs to build up his fitness, and if he can do that I am sure he will still have a big career at Arsenal.

“It’s important that he is loaned to a club that try and play football. Arsenal have a philosophy similar to Barcelona’s in their approach to the game – and he should be loaned to a club who want to keep the ball and share that vision.

“He is a young player still, and if he can put the injuries behind him, there is no reason why he still can’t be one of the best midfield players in Europe,” he added.

England’s Jack Wilshere warms up before the match

The high praise from one of the game’s greatest ever midfielders is testament to Wilshere’s quality but fitness issues have plagued his whole career.

The England international famously shone at the Nou Camp against Barcelona in a Champions League clash and he clearly left a lasting impression on Xavi.

England’s Wayne Rooney is substituted on for Jack Wilshere

Yet he has steadily fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal in recent years, with the squad packed full of quality central midfield options.

The recent arrivals of Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka have provided additional steel in the middle, while Aaron Ramsey, Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla all provide further options.

Plenty of clubs will be interested in taking the Gunners star on loan but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be done before tomorrow’s deadline that suits all parties.