Midfielder Jack Wilshere announced earlier in the week that he will be departing Arsenal this summer. Wilshere, who has been with the north London club for 17 years, claimed that he came to the decision following conversations about playing time with new boss Unai Emery.

“I can confirm I will be leaving Arsenal Football Club when my contract expires at the end of June,” Wilshere posted on Instagram.

“Following a number of extensive conversations with those at the club, and in particular a recent meeting with the new manager Unai Emery, I felt that I was ultimately left with little choice but to make the decision that I have due to purely footballing reasons.”

“Following my meeting with the new manager I was made aware that although the reduced contract offer remained, it was made clear to me that my playing time would be significantly reduced should I decide to stay. I am sure everyone can understand that at this point in my life and career I need to be playing first team football and following my meeting with Mr. Emery I came away feeling that it would be very difficult for me to do so at Arsenal.”

He went on to say, “Given this, I feel I have no option but to pursue other opportunities in order to progress my career on the pitch. I would like to place on record my respect for Mr. Emery and my appreciation for his honesty and candor and I wish him, the team and the club all the very best for the future.”

Unique circumstances and multiple injuries

Wanting sufficient playing time on the pitch is certainly enough reason to move but Wilshere’s case is a little unique. The occasional England international has struggled with multiple knee/ankle issues over the years and has not played more than 30 Premier League games in a season since the 2010/11 campaign.

Following a relatively solid season on loan at Bournemouth in 2016/17, which was ultimately cut short due to an injury, Wilshere managed to feature in 38 total matches for the Gunners during the 2017/18 campaign. The midfielder did remain healthy during the season, however, manager Arsene Wenger was careful in how he utilized his player.

Because of these past injuries, playing 50+ games per season is most likely out of the question for Wilshere.

This, however, does not mean that he can’t still be effective on the pitch. With Arsenal, important players must be fit for multiple matches per week. Not only do they have regular Premier League games, but they also have European matches, and the two domestic cup competitions.

Getting the best out of the next move

This heavy workload is most likely not conducive to Wilshere’s health.

Because of this, switching to a team outside of the top 6 in the Premier League would make perfect sense. Crystal Palace, Everton, and West Ham have all been reportedly interested in signing Wilshere. Neither team would be a bad idea.

Wilshere will have some options heading into the uncharted territory of free agency.

This situation, however, is not similar to an over-the-hill star looking for a pit stop prior to retirement (Wayne Rooney). Wilshere is still just 26 and did show during the 2017/18 campaign that he can be a decent addition in midfield to certain clubs.

A possible reunion with Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace (formerly with the England national team) would surely be intriguing.