The continual speculation ahead of the January transfer window for Arsenal is ramping up by the day but the presence of Jack Wilshere at the club has added an intriguing possibility to the winter period.
Invited back to train and dabble in some coaching with the Arsenal youth sides, Wilshere has been working with the first team, regaining fitness ahead of what was assumed to be a move to a club in the second half of the season having readied himself.
However, recent comments in an interview have since opened the door to suggestions that the club he might be plying his trade for in the new year could indeed be Arsenal. A fan favourite having come through the academy, Jack Wilshere's cause might be helped by absences in January.
The African Cup of Nations means that both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny will both be absent for a number of weeks.
Wilshere, naturally being a central midfielder, would be able to provide cover on paper. However, questions regarding whether he is of the required quality and fitness to feature have always dominated any debate.
Speaking on TalkSport, Wilshere refused to rule out the possibility of him playing for Arsenal this season.
"I went there, very kindly invited by them to come and train, get my fitness back, which I’ve done," said Wilshere.
"I am [training with the first team]. They’ve got a lot of midfielders; they’ve got Ainsley Maitland-Niles. I don't know mate. Honestly, I don't know."
Inconclusive. But from a fan perspective, it was curious to see the reaction to the idea of a “pay as you play” contract being given to the England international for the last six months of the season.
Running a poll on Twitter, of the near 500 responses in the three hours the vote was live for, 60.4% of those that made their choice favoured Wilshere signing the deal in the winter.
One user however replied below to provide some context and a valid explanation for perhaps why this was the case. ‘Heart says yes. Mind says no,’ wrote @dushyantAFC .
The nostalgia which surrounds the idea of Jack’s return may have overridden whether or not the move would make sense for either party.
Jack’s minutes would be limited at Arsenal whereas were he to move to a side at a lower level he could prove himself more frequently ahead of the summer.
For Arsenal, would the 29-year-old be a better option than signing a player on loan from elsewhere? Personally, I would argue that signing a player of the requisite quality on loan makes more sense.
Fans will have to wait and see whether Wilshere pulls on the red and white again. Whether a supporter of the concept or not, if it were to happen it would be a heart-warming moment without a doubt.
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