The Arsenal midfielder has been tipped to join Everton – but could this push Ross Barkley to Tottenham Hotspur?
Back in 2014, if you asked anyone where Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere would be in their careers with the Russia World Cup creeping into view, you would have received a rather unanimous response. Surely, with their talent and technical ability, they would be England’s undisputed midfield starters between bouts of exceptional form for Everton and Arsenal.
Few would have claimed that Barkley would be shunted out of Goodison Park while Wilshere attempts to rejuvenate his career with South Coast club Bournemouth.
And, such is the speed of their decline, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the quick-footed play-maker once fawned over by Xavi could replace ‘the new Paul Gascoigne’ in the centre of Everton’s midfield.
Barkley has struggled to adapt to Ronald Koeman’s public, boot-camp style grilling after three seaons being hand fed carrots by Roberto Martinez, The Telegraph reporting last month that Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal could be tempted in handing one of English football’s most naturally talented players a lifeline.
And the straight-talking Koeman could yet consider his sale rather good business, especially with The Mirror reporting that Everton could make a move for Wilshere who, with just 18 months left on his contract at Arsenal, continues to fall further down the pecking order.
There is a very real chance that he could find himself down in sixth choice when he returns to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
Therefore a permanent change of scenery could be just what is required for two immensely talented midfielders who have lost their way.
Barkley would surely benefit from Mauricio Pochettino’s expert moulding of rough diamonds while Wilshere could be transformed away from the bright lights of London and at the centre of a midfield hitherto lacking in creativity.
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