OPINION
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez must get straight on the phone to midfielder Jack Wilshere after he confirmed he will be leaving Arsenal this summer.
The 26-year-old revealed on his official Instagram account he will depart the Gunners when his contract expires at the end of June.
He explained that he held talks to try extend his stay with the North London club and even agreed to take a financial hit to stay with Unai Emery’s side, but he will now be available on a free transfer.
Wilshere joined Arsenal at the age of nine and there is now set to be widespread speculation about where the 36-time capped England international will end up next season.
The Daily Star reported earlier this month that Newcastle were one of a host of clubs keen on the playmaker’s signature, with West Ham, Everton, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Fulham also interested.
He may not be involved in this summer’s World Cup squad with England, but is a highly-rated central midfielder with a huge reputation and Benitez must go all out to try bring him to St James’ Park.
Wilshere ticks a ton of boxes for Newcastle given he is a high-profile name with bags of technically ability and they wouldn’t have to pay a transfer fee, with wages perhaps being the only obstacle.
He has proven his fitness in the last two seasons during time with Arsenal and a loan spell with Bournemouth, which is why he has to go to the top of Benitez’s wanted list.
The left-footed pass master can take the Premier League by storm if he gets back anywhere near his best and a potential combination alongside Jonjo Shelvey in the heart of the Newcastle midfield would be golden.
