Wilshere is very much a Pellegrini ‘pick’
The Hammers fully intend bringing in two more midfielders before the transfer window closes in early August.
Currently there are FIVE on a list compiled by Manuel Pellegrini and his director of football Mario Husillos and they are aiming to bring them both in as quickly as possible.
Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes at £25 million and free agent Jack Wilshere are on the list although we have been told this morning any deal offered to the former Arsenal man would be subject to an exhaustive medical given his past injury issues.
The club are also actively pursuing Fernandes despite a fractured relationship over with his club over the William Carvahlo deal and we understand a £20 million offer is on the table.
One of the two will be a direct replacement for Manuel Lanzini who is predicted to be out until next season although he has put a “this season target” on his comeback.
Wilshere had been out of the club’s plans entirely until the new manager made it clear that he was keen and talks are ongoing between Husillos and the player’s representatives The Wasserman Media Group.
There remain worries on that score but the board are clearly determined to back the manager’s choices regardless of their previous reservations.
Both Wilshere’s re-emergence after months of ‘thanks but no thanks’ to a possible transfer and the board’s decision to back their manager’s choices will come as a pleasant surprise to many fans.
Wilshire made 20 Premier League appearances for one goal last season after returning from Bournemouth on loan where he made 29 appearances in the 2016/17 season without a goal.
Wilshere is a no-brainer and might want to check Hugh as I believe he has played around 60 games in the last two seasons in total. He is the best passing English midfielders and if we managed to get any of the other midfield targets would be such a signal of intent. Do the medical due diligence but then get him signed up. He is also still only 26!
He made 20 Premier League appearances for Arsenal but made another 18 appearances in domestic and European cups so 38 appearances in total
He played 29 PL games for Bournemouth so 49 league games in total over two seasons and 67 games in all competitions
And scored zero for Bournemouth . One year contract while Manu is out only please. Too slow anyway no pace which is what we wanted this season
The fact he’s also a Hammers boyhood fan also adds another angle for me. Sure, it doesn’t make a difference to his injury record or technical ability, but having people around the club who care is worth an extra 10% on the field, I reckon. And he’s English. And only 26. And amazing on his day.
So we knock his wages down, only give him a one year contract, make him pay for play only and tell him he’s no longer required as soon as Lanzini’s back. That should be enough to convince him to sign eh? Nailed on I reckon.
🤣🤣🤣
Carol must be excited he will have some company for the season.
Do some people only read their own comments? Sean posted above that Wilshere has played 67 times in the last 2 seasons.