Manchester City are said to be interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere during this summer’s transfer window, and Arsene Wenger is expecting to receive an offer for the England international imminently.
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Sky Sports claim that their sources are with the understanding that the Citizens are currently readying a bid for the Three Lions star, and suggest that their interest is as much to do with the 23-year-old’s nationality as with his talent.
The Sky Blues have come under fire in recent seasons for the number of foreign players at the club, with Joe Hart and James Milner at times the only English players on the team-sheet. Manuel Pellegrini’s squad currently has the maximum of 17 overseas players in his 25-man roster, and the club appear to have been forced to address the issue.
A possible bid for Wilshere would be the second England international that Man City will have attempted to sign already this summer.
According to BBC Sport, Liverpool received a second £35.5m offer – which could have risen to £40m – on Wednesday for Raheem Sterling after Man City’s opening £25m bid was instantly rejected by the Merseyside giants. Brendan Rodgers, the report states, values the 20-year-old at £50m.
If the Reds continue to block the Anfield winger’s transfer to the Etihad this summer, Pellegrini may ramp up his efforts to land Wilshere, given their homegrown-quota situation.
The Gunners ace is one of the most exciting young midfielders for club and country, with his fearless style of play his unique feat.
However, despite his ability, his approach is also arguably a chief cause of his persistent injury problems, which has halted his progression significantly. His explosive bursts forwards often draw nasty challenges.
Here’s an example:
Last season, Wilshere was absent for a total of 26 games with a malleolar injury – missing 19 clashes from November 22 – February 20 and seven fixtures from February 23 to March 31.
Nonetheless, while his signing could therefore be a gamble given his repeated appearances in the Arsenal medical room – perhaps City’s priority is simply signing an England international with Premier League experience.