Both Everton and Arsenal could benefit from swapping the two players.
Both Ronald Koeman and Arsene Wenger are still keen to strengthen their squads this summer, but will also be looking to shift some of the deadwood currently present at their clubs.
Whilst it may seem a little extreme to refer to Ross Barkley and Jack Wilshere as deadwood, they both only have 12 months remaining on their current deals at their respective clubs, and are both valued in the region of £20-25 million.
And with the Gunners interested in the Everton ace, according to the Daily Mail, and the Toffees in the market for a creative, attack-minded midfielder, surely a swap deal involving both Wilshere and Barkley would be the ideal outcome for all parties concerned.
The Arsenal star, 25, would be ideal for the Merseysiders, and would be a great foil for Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park.
One major concern for Koeman, however, would be Wilshere’s less-than-impressive injury record, although the quality that he could bring to the club could very well outweigh the potential risks associated with signing an injury prone player.
Meanwhile, Barkley could be just the player that the north London outfit need to help them improve this season. The 23-year-old’s ability to travel with the ball close to feet makes him the ideal replacement for Santi Cazorla, who is currently enduring an injury nightmare.
The Everton star possesses real quality, and despite the inconsistent nature of his performances, a move to the Emirates could see him realise his true potential, under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger.
The same could be said for Wilshere, with a switch to Goodison Park providing the opportunity to play in new surroundings, under fresh philosophies and ideas.
And both clubs could really benefit from swapping the two players, as they head into the final year of their deals with their respective clubs.
Jack Wilshere of Arsenal
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