As Jack Wilshere brings an end to his time at Arsenal, there would be no shortage of clubs who would want to avail his services – but should Leicester City be among those, too? Precisely, yes.
He’s a free agent
Getting Jack Wilshere for free is surely going to be the steal of the summer, shall Leicester City make it happen. They’ve previously been pulling off a few miracles in the transfer window, but this would easily top all of them.
The midfielder’s wage demands might be a bit higher than the others, but isn’t it better to pay him something around €8 million per season than to pay more than thrice the amount for someone else before you even get to the wages?
Also, not having to invest heavily in a central midfielder leaves Leicester with more funds to spend on a direct replacement for Riyad Mahrez. They still need a wide player who can wreak havoc from the flanks like the Algerian does, and it’s likely that they’d be requiring something in excess of £40 million to get a player of that calibre.
Spanish technique with an English heart
Every single person who has followed Jack Wilshere’s career agrees that he is not your average English midfielder. He’s something different – he’s the fine blend of a midfielder with a Spanish technique and an English heart, as was perfectly put by Arsene Wenger.
Even Xavi Hernandez, arguably the greatest midfielder of his generation, had something similar to say:
"“If he had a career that had been injury-free we would already be talking about him as one of the top central midfield players in Europe,” said the Barcelona legend back in 2015. “I have played against him, I have watched him carefully, and if he can overcome injuries, then he can still go on an be one of the best midfield players in the world. “With all respect, he doesn’t play the English way. “He has an excellent passing range, an ability not to lose the ball, it is clear that he has had his education at Arsenal. “For many years now the one position England have not struggled with is world-class midfield players. Scholes, and then more recently Lampard and Gerrard. “Now I see Wilshere as the future of English football, that is why it is so important they keep him fit.”"
When Xavi says something, you simply believe it. While Wilshere’s career may have not moved in the expected direction because of his injuries, he’s still only 26 and has his peak years ahead of him.
Now that he is looking like he is finally getting over his physical problems – having not had a major injury for two seasons – it won’t be too long before he rediscovers his former self and fulfills Xavi’s prophecy.
He’s just what Leicester City need
Jack Wilshere is exactly what Leicester City need to reach next level. A technically excellent midfielder who can operate both as a no.10 or a deep-lying playmaker, the 26-year old can split open the best of defences with an incomparable vision, and a passing range that many can only dream of.
Combined with that is his heavenly close control, excellent dribbling and the trademark driving runs forward that come as a consequence. This direct approach, this quality that he brings to the game is what Leicester missed so badly last season. They had loads and loads of possession, but failed to convert it into anything meaningful.
With Wilshere taking care of the affairs in the central region, unlocking the defence won’t be a problem anymore, and more so because of how well he would link up with someone like James Maddison and Jamie Vardy up the pitch, when there’s space in behind.
Next: Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez : What is he worth?
Also, to have someone like him would help the younger midfielders as well, who, apart from marvelling at his class can learn a lot from the Gunner as well.