Arsene Wenger has revealed he plans to use Jack Wilshere in a new position this season, whilst also suggesting the club were never in for Raheem Sterling.
Wenger has the problem of trying to fit the likes of Santi Cazorla, Mesut Ozil, Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere into a couple of spots in the team and it seems like Wilshere will be removed from that crowd for now. Wenger said the club did not need to sign Sterling, or any winger because of the options they have:
“We never considered it (signing Sterling) because he plays in an area where we have plenty of players. We have Walcott, Chamberlain, Sanchez, Wilshere who can play wide, Gnabry, so we have plenty of players and he’s a wide player basically, or behind the striker.”
Interestingly Wenger does not list Ramsey or Ozil as wide options – but does include Wilshere. I think this is very wise. Ramsey and Ozil are clearly a lot better in central roles – Wenger is planning to permanently deploy Ozil in the number 10 role and Ramsey back in a deep midfield role where he can rediscover his best form.
I also think Wilshere could do well in that wide role. He needs to learn defensive discipline but he likes to go past players and can drift infield, as our wingers always have the license to do.
Wenger also omits Joel Campbell from his wide options – a clear indication that the Costa Rican is set to leave the club when he returns from his Gold Cup duties. Wenger also though, probably accidentally did not mention Danny Welbeck as a wide option.
Arsenal are also considering loan offers for Gnabry from several Premier League clubs.
Arsenal remain in the market for reinforcements with The Telegraph suggesting he is looking at defensive and midfield reinforcements. On transfer Wenger was coy, but as usual refused to rule out new signings: “It depends. We are still open to do something else.”
Wenger’s comments on not going for Sterling indicate a wide player will not join this summer. Perhaps there is potential for a striker still though, with Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck and Theo Walcott our current options in that role.
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What do you think? Is Wilshere the best out of Ramsey and Ozil to occasionally be used in that wide midfield role? Comment below with your thoughts.