According to reports in the Daily Star, Arsenal have told West Ham United that they will need to pay £20m for midfielder Jack Wilshere, and agree to a buy-back clause.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Daily Star says that the England international’s future with the Gunners appears to be over following a season-long loan spell with Bournemouth last term, and that West Ham are interested in bringing the 25-year-old to the London Stadium.
Wilshere is getting back to full fitness after suffering a fracture of his left leg while with the Cherries in April, and the Daily Star adds that Sampdoria have already had an offer of £6m plus £1.5m in add-ons turned down this summer.
Arsene Wenger values the midfielder much higher than that though despite the fact he only has a year left on his contract.
How did Wilshere do last season?
Following a number of injury problems and struggling to cement a spot in the Arsenal starting line-up, the 25-year-old was sent out on loan to Bournemouth last summer.
Under Eddie Howe, Wilshere quickly showed the qualities that he has and made 27 Premier League appearances for the Cherries, providing two assists for his teammates.
With a passing accuracy of 84% and having successfully completed 57 of the 81 take-ons he attempted, the England midfielder showed how comfortable he is in possession and on the ball.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
He certainly could be, yes.
While injuries and a lack of form limited his opportunities at Arsenal, Wilshere showed glimpses of the player we all know during his loan spell with Bournemouth last season.
At 25 years of age, the midfielder still has plenty of time to develop and improve and he could make a real difference in the middle of the park for the Irons, as long as they can keep him fit and on the pitch.
With the 2018 World Cup less than a year away Wilshere will also know that he needs to be performing well on a consistent basis to have any chance of going to Russia, and that will only benefit the east London outfit.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, there is no doubt that Wilshere would be a good signing for West Ham, but it could take some work to negotiate on the £20m asking price – something the Hammers will surely want to do.
