Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton believes the Hammers should steer clear of signing Jack Wilshere this summer on a free transfer, declaring it a “waste of time.”
Speculation is increasing that the now former Arsenal midfielder is set to join the trio of players to already have arrived at the London Stadium this summer, in a sensational switch across the capital after rejecting a number of offers to remain at the Emirates.
A club insider even revealed that a deal was close on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/West_Ham_Wayne/status/1014831471079645184
But Ashton, as quoted by Knees up Mother Brown, revealed that his hesitance over the potential move was down to Wilshere’s long-lasting injury problems, something he would only be too aware of: “I think it’d be a waste of time for the club and the player.
“It’d put pressure on him straight away.
However, the now football pundit has revealed that the Irons need two more signings in the midfield zone where he feels the side is particularly short in quality: “It’s a massive area in which they need to strengthen.
“I don’t think it’s going to be just one player either – they’ll need one or two.”
OPINION:
You have to say that Ashton has a fair point although signing Wilshere would not be a complete waste of time as the ex-hitman put it. If the 26-year-old can maintain some level of fitness, as he did after all make 40 appearances for the Gunners last term, then that would spell good business for a player whose quality is unquestionable. With Pedro Obiang and Mark Noble currently operating in the centre of the park, there certainly spells the need for an upgrade in a position which is jaded and in need of a fresh lease of life. While Noble is undeniably a hard-working servant to the Hammers, at 31, he is coming towards the end of his career and there were times in the previous campaign where it started to look as though his age was getting the better of him. An injection of pace and spark is needed in the centre of the park and while Wilshere may not have the pace, he certainly has the spark.
