Southampton have reportedly joined the race to sign Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere on a free transfer this summer.
Wilshere’s Arsenal future certainly appears to be up in the air. The Mirror reports that his deal expires in July, and while he has been offered fresh terms at The Emirates, new Gunners boss Unai Emery has informed the Englishman that he will be much closer to the periphery of his squad next season.
The Mirror adds that a host of clubs are keen on luring him away, with Southampton joining the likes of Wolves and West Ham by considering making an offer for the 26-year-old – who, according to the London Evening Standard, is on £90,000-a-week at Arsenal.
It would be an incredible statement from the Saints if they managed to see off the competition for Wilshere’s signature and brought him to St Mary’s ahead of Mark Hughes’ first full season at the club this year.
Wilshere has obviously struggled with injuries in the past, but he enjoyed a largely uninterrupted campaign last season, and on a free transfer, it is surely worth the gamble.
Of course, the wages will prove incredibly expensive if he is unable to maintain his fitness following a move, but if Hughes does manage to get the best out of the former Bournemouth loanee, the deal has all the potential to go down as a masterstroke from the Saints as they look to ensure that they put last season behind them.
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