Former Manchester United and England player Paul Scholes is surprised by Jack Wilshere’s decision to move to Bournemouth. Scholes believes that the Arsenal midfielder should have moved to Roma or AC Milan.
Jack Wilshere’s Arsenal future hung in the balance on deadline day as the player was linked with a move to a number of clubs across the continent. Unwanted at the Emirates, it was probably the right decision for the player to push for a move as he can now set his sights on regular playing time.
31st August was a highly eventful day for the 22-year-old as he was on the cusp of joining three different clubs. Italian giants AS Roma were on the verge of tying him down to a contract, but due to the intervention of other sides, they failed to sign the Englishman.
It is believed that Roma quoted a higher price than Bournemouth for the player, but saw their bid rejected by Arsene Wenger, who was not interested in doing business with the Italian side. Arsenal’s unsuccessful pursuit of Roma centre-back Kostas Manolas is believed to have played a role in this.
Premier League side Crystal Palace, too, were keen on signing Wilshere on the final day of the window, but the player had already set his sights on a move to the Vitality Stadium to join forces with Eddie Howe. Even a European heavyweight like AC Milan showed an avid interest in the player, but they were turned down as Wilshere wanted to continue playing in England.
However, Wilshere’s decision to join Bournemouth has underwhelmed Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes. The two-time Champions League winner believes that the Arsenal player may have set his sights too low by moving to a mid-table Premier League side.
Instead, Scholes believes a move to AC Milan or Roma would have been much better. Speaking to Sky Sports, Scholes said: “I would have liked to have seen him, if he did have to leave Arsenal, go to a big club like Roma.
“Get some experience abroad, I think that would have been great for him and would have been great for the England team as well.”
Scholes also argued that Wilshere would have to fight for his place in the team under Eddie Howe just as much as he would at Milan and Roma.
“He has to perform whatever club you are at, whether you are at Bournemouth, Arsenal, Man United or Roma,” added the Man Utd icon.
“You still have to perform to play first team football. I’m sure there are other players at Bournemouth who are saying ‘I’m going to be playing instead of Jack – I want his place.”
David Beckham supported Wilshere’s move to Bournemouth
While one United great critcised the player’s move to the Vitality Stadium, another supported it. According to the Daily Mail, Wilshere took advice from David Beckham before deciding to join Bournemouth.
The report states that the former England captain rang the 24-year-old and guided him when offers from Palace, Roma and Milan came knocking at his door. Wilshere took Beckham’s advice on board and chose to sign with the Cherries.
