Jack Wilshere is yet to accept Arsenal’s offer of a new contract and the club must start thinking about replacing him in midfield.
Arsenal face a potential crisis in midfield this summer as Arsene Wenger admits Jack Wilshere is yet to accept the club’s offer of a new contract.
The England international has enjoyed a strong campaign since returning from a loan spell at Bournemouth last season, out-shining the likes of Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny in the middle of the park.
Speaking at his press conference this morning, Wenger said: “I cannot give you any news (on Wilshere). I don’t know what is in his mind.
“He has an offer and we want him to stay but he hasn’t signed. It is a long-term contract and I hope he will sign it.”
Time is ticking away for the Gunners, so who could be a realistic option for them to replace Wilshere if he doesn’t sign? Here’s a look at five contenders:
Max Meyer (Schalke)
Another player running his contract down, Max Meyer could make a fine option for Arsenal due to his similar playing style to Wilshere.
The 22-year-old is considered one of the top young midfielders in Europe and seems an ideal fit for the way Wenger likes his sides to play.
Given that he’d be free, this could end up being superb business by Arsenal, with football.london recently suggesting he was on the radar of the club’s new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat, who was then spotted at the recent game between Schalke and Borussia Dortmund.
Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Another player Mislintat may have been wise to take a look at is Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Weigl.
Like Meyer, Weigl is a promising young Germany international whose intelligence on the ball and ability to dictate a game has earned him interest from big clubs.
The Independent recently linked Weigl as a target for Manchester United, and Arsenal should definitely be in the running too.
Jorginho (Napoli)
One of the top defensive midfielders in Europe right now, Jorginho’s name is one that keeps coming up ahead of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal themselves have been mentioned as potential suitors by the Sun, though they’d likely face plenty of competition for the Brazilian-born Italy international.
That report states he’d be an expensive option, likely costing £60million, and that Manchester United and Manchester City would also be in the running, so while an ambitious target, he’d surely be worth pushing hard for.
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
One of the best young midfielders in the Premier League right now, Wilfred Ndidi has certainly done a decent job of ensuring N’Golo Kante hasn’t been too badly missed at Leicester City.
The Nigeria international has the defensive work rate and quality on the ball to make him ideal to fill Wilshere’s boots and provide an upgrade on strugglers such as Xhaka and Elneny.
Already proven in England and with his best years ahead of him, this seems a no-brainer for Arsenal if they could get it done.
Ruben Neves (Wolves)
A hugely exciting young talent who’s made waves in the Championship this season, Ruben Neves will be playing in the Premier League next season after his starring role in helping Wolves to promotion.
The 21-year-old was a surprise signing for Wolves and will surely be playing for a bigger club before too long, with Portuguese journalist Marcus Alves stating Liverpool are working on getting him.
Arsenal’s issues in midfield mean they should certainly be doing all they can to land this top talent as well, as he could be a star for them in that area for many years to come.
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