Arsenal have sent Jack Wilshere on a season long loan to Bournemouth in what is probably one of the most unexpected moves to take place at the Emirates. The 24-year-old who was seen as the Gunners’ next leader was sent to Bournemouth, team which finished 16th in last season’s Premier League. Apparently the injuries that have caused Wilshere so many problems is the reason for his departure. It is true that with Xhaka’s arrival and with Coquelin being fully fit, it would have been hard for the England international to start most games given his lack of consistency on the fitness front. On the other hand, his latest performances reminded fans why he was featured in Wenger’s senior lot at just 18 years of age. He is not the player to build your team around though. Not yet anyway. Things can change though if he manages to get through an entire season without missing many games. The Cherries can offer him that possibility and even if he will be missing out on European challenges, he will still have a lot to handle as Premier League seasons are long and harsh.
It will bew interesting to see what Wilshere’s options are and what will come out of this move especially considering that the England international’s contract with Arsenal ends in 2018? According to the Daily Express, Wenger’s reassurance that this is not the end of the road for the 24-year-old midfielder does guarantee much right now. Wilshere has all the quality in the world but lacks physical integrity which is not something you necessarily gain by playing more games. Maybe this is a final test for this former wonder kid who can be amazing given the right circumstances. Hopefully a full year of Premier League football and the lack of injuries will get him back on track with Arsenal who could really use his creativity and pitch awareness.