Jack Wilshere edging closer to West Ham move
West Ham are closing in on a deal to sign former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.
The 26-year-old is a free agent after his contract expired and is keen to join the Hammers – the club he and his family supported before he joined Arsenal as a nine-year-old.
Turkish club Fenerbahce are also interested in signing Wilshere, who has 34 England caps, but the playmaker is in advanced talks with West Ham.
Wilshere, who realised he had no future at the Emirates after talks last month with new Arsenal boss Unai Emery, would have to accept a drop in salary – he earned £90,000 a week last season – and any deal would have to be structured carefully in the light of the player’s injury record.
A succession of injuries have restricted his appearances for Arsenal since he made his senior debut in 2008. He spent the 2016-17 season on loan at Bournemouth, but fought his way back into Arsenal’s line-up last season.
Wilshere’s ability is unquestioned, though, and if he can stay fit, he could be a considerable asset to West Ham as they attempt to improve on last season’s showing under their new manager, Manuel Pellegrini.