Newcastle United zero in on Arsenal midfielder: Just what the Magpies need?

Newcastle United were not off to a great start in their campaign in the top flight as they failed to score even a single goal and lost 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the season at home. Rafa Benitez is clearly unhappy with the squad at his disposal to compete at the highest level and is now looking to add further quality to the squad before the deadline day.

This has seen him linked with some of the finest talents in world football and the latest name doing the rounds is Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere.

Odds Slashed

Having failed to establish himself in the first team at the Emirates, Wilshere was sent out on loan to Bournemouth last season but he failed to show enough promise to earn a place in the squad next season for Arsenal. Reports claim that he has now admitted that his time in London is up and that he is ready for a move.

And Newcastle United are now favourites to land him this summer, at least according to bookmakers Betfair, who have slashed the odds of Wilshere moving to the St James’ this summer. So is Wilshere an option for the Magpies?

Wilshere and his potential

A product of the academy at the Emirates, Wilshere broke into the first team as a teenager back in 2008, putting in some scintillating performances in his first season for the Gunners. However, he did not show enough consistency to cement his place in the first team under Arsene Wenger.

A central midfielder by trait, the English international is a playmaker of the highest order who has gifted technique to go with some exemplary vision. He has to work on his defensive duties, which makes him a liability and that, along with his weakness in the air, is what has pushed him out of the first team under Arsene Wenger.

However, at just 25, Wilshere already has 34 senior appearances for the Three Lions, 146 Premier League appearances and 22 Champions League appearances, making him an established star at the highest level and decent option for the Magpies.

Chances at Newcastle

Rafa Benitez used a 4-2-3-1 system with Jonjo Shelve and Issac Hayden starting as the midfield pair. Jack Colback is the only other natural option in this role for the newly promoted side and Wilshere might not take any time to burst into the first team.

The 25-year old is also injury prone but is finally back in action this week, playing for the Arsenal U23s. He has little place in the squad at the Emirates but could be a huge asset for Newcastle United, who are searching for players with experience in the top flight. But do you think Wilshere is the right man for Rafa?