Why West Ham should steer clear of Jack Wilshere this transfer window

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West Ham are reportedly considering a deal for Jack Wilshere if they fail to land long term target William Carvalho.

Jack Wilshere of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal v Manchester City

“That was eventful..”, read Jack Wilshere’s Instagram post after he got sent off in his first game back after another long injury layoff following his loan spell at Tottenham. The game was for Arsenal’s U-23 side.

According to reports in the Sun, West Ham are eyeing a loan deal for the Arsenal midfielder if a move for William Carvalho doesn’t materialise with hours to go before the end of the transfer window.

Sporting CP midfielder William Carvalho

There is no doubt that West Ham are desperately in need of a central midfielder to protect their back four. If the West Ham hierarchy do decide that the £40 million demanded by Sporting for Carvalho is beyond their reach (mentioned in the same report), they’ll need to find a replacement soon.

Although it might look promising on paper, Jack Wilshere is definitely not the replacement. To put things into perspective Jack Wilshere has never had a run of games in defensive midfield at club level, with even Arsene Wenger deciding that the midfielder doesn’t suit the role despite the midfielder asking his manager to play him in that role back in 2014 (as reported by the Telegraph). That is quite the statement given he plays Aaron Ramsey in the same position.

Jack Wilshere of AFC Bournemouth goes down injured during the Premier League match

He predominantly played in a midfield three when at Bournemouth with Eddie Howe preferring to play with Harry Arter and Dan Gosling/Andrew Surman when the Cherries decided to play a midfield two.

All this is considering Jack Wilshere stays fit for 12 months, which sadly is a big ask given his injury record throughout his career. If West Ham do fail to land their midfield target, they will be well served to stick to their midfield guns at the club with the likes of Declan Rice stepping up into the first team fold.