After meeting with new Arsenal manager Unai Emery Jack Wilshire has made the painful decision to leave Arsenal – a club he has been with since 2001.
Jack has issued a statement which seems both heartfelt and professional and his decision is based purely on football reasons – he wants to play first-team football.
The manager told him he would get significantly reduced playing time at the Gunners so Jack has decided to leave the club as a free agent when his contract runs out in 10 days time.
Jack Wilshire – will finally leave Arsenal
He’s a free agent but is still not cheap with his wages being over £100K/week and it would be a surprise if Rafa is interested in signing Wilshire, who we expect to stay in London.
This is Jack Wilshere’s statement:
“I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.”
“Such was my desire to stay that I had in fact recently agreed to sign a financially reduced contract in order to commit my future to the club.”
“My intention throughout these discussions has always been to remain an Arsenal player.”
“I have been on the books at Arsenal for 17 years and have always felt part of the fabric of the club.”
“Following my meeting with the new manager I was made aware that although the reduced contract offer remained, it was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay.”
“I am sure everyone can understand that at this point in my life and career I need to be playing first-team football.”
“And following my meeting with Mr Emery I came away feeling that it would be very difficult for me to do so at Arsenal.”
“Given this, I feel I have no option but to pursue other opportunities in order to progress my career on the pitch.”
West Ham and Crystal Palace are keen on the player but after playing all his football in London it would be a surprise if leaves the capital.
It’s still intriguing for Newcastle fans that Rafa could go after him.
But Wilshire has the same risk that Newcastle have if we sign Daniel Sturridge from Liverpool – his injury record is very poor.
On the other hand he’s still a class player and we’re sure Rafa could get the very best out of him at Newcastle.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
12 comments so far
NUFCadon
Jun 20, 2018 at 9:34 AM
Comment #1It would be a great signing if there was a clause in his contract where he got reduced wages when injured
Mag52
Jun 20, 2018 at 9:39 AM
Comment #2AO.
Mag52
Jun 20, 2018 at 9:40 AM
Comment #3Let’s all hope Spain get a long way in the WC otherwise they might well be on the look out for a new manager before too long.
martoon
Jun 20, 2018 at 9:43 AM
Comment #4Not for me – anyway there is no way he would come this far North he would probably end up with a nose bleed to add to his injury list. He’ll end up as West Ham or Palace or even Fulham!
Jib
Jun 20, 2018 at 9:45 AM
Comment #5Arsenal seem to get an inordinate amount
of ankle and foot injuries
https://www.arsenalreport.com/injuryroom/
I’m sure that Rafa and his staff could squeeze much
more playing time out of Wilshire.
lesh
Jun 20, 2018 at 10:05 AM
Comment #6Given Rafa’s desire to see signs of ambition from Ashley, it appears that Ashley’s playing power politics with Rafa. It appears that Rafa’s not winning and his silence is both noticeable and worrying. He’s either well away from the club or, which is more likely, Barnes and Bishop have gagged him.
So much for Ashley’s supposed desire to retain Rafa, he’s totally ignored his requirements and is treating the man with contempt.
andrewsneill
Jun 20, 2018 at 10:06 AM
Comment #7If for no other reason the wages will prevent it happening. A shame as i think not only would he be an excellent addition for the squad with no transfer fee but i think regular football as well as coaching from Rafa would be great for him. we’ve already seen Townsend get back into the England set up after a few months with Rafa (and then promptly drop out again once he left). I feel Rafa could do the same for most players
ArtyH
Jun 20, 2018 at 1:20 PM
Comment #8A bit of a dilemma here, he is arsewipe through and through but a good player who has stated he is prepared to take a wage cut for regular football. I am sure Rafa could make him a great player but fear taking rejects from top clubs out history is littered with them!
Moonraker15
Jun 20, 2018 at 1:49 PM
Comment #9Go for him! He’s brilliant and Rafa would make him world class! and get us in Europe! Free transfer as well; it’s a no brainer and get him away from London!
Moonraker15
Jun 20, 2018 at 2:06 PM
Comment #10If it’s true that Ashley includes the wages over the contract period as well as transfer fee then we could pay Wilshere 7 million a year for three years and be within our budget
Moonraker15
Jun 20, 2018 at 2:10 PM
Comment #11Lesh
If Rafa walks because of Ashley’s policies I’m finished with the Toon until Ashley goes. What’s the point in giving support to a lame duck club?
Nostradamus the Geordie
Jun 20, 2018 at 3:06 PM
Comment #12Have always said that Wilshire would be a good signing if Rafa can keep him fit and his temper under control, if we are losing Merino we should 100% get Wilshire to take his place, just pay his wages, no brainer really.