Arsenal Transfer News: 3 potential replacements for Jack Wilshere at Arsenal

Jack Wilshere left Arsenal for fellow Premier League club West Ham United on 9 July 2018 on a three-year deal and Arsenal now face a potential crisis in midfield depth this season. This departure came from nowhere as the English International looked set to renew his contract after putting in some decent performances for the Gunners last season, following a loan spell at Bournemouth the season before.

Jack Wilshere mainly used to play as a deep-lying creative midfielder at Arsenal. Wilshere is a player known for his movement, vision, passing, combination play and leadership on the pitch. A bright prospect in his early days, Wilshere's career quickly became blighted with injuries, which hindered his growth.

Right now, there not many players at the Emirates Stadium, who can fill the void left by the diminutive Gunner. However, there are some players elsewhere, who might just be up for the task.

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Julian Weigl is an exciting German prospect.

#3 Julian Weigl

Weigl is a German footballer, who plays as a midfielder for Borussia Dortmund and the German National Team. He is quite similar to Wilshere because he too can anywhere in the center of the park. He controls the midfield for his team, has got a very impressive range of passing and is also more than capable of making strong challenges to win the ball back from the opponent.

Also, Weigl has got an instinctive understanding to be at the right place at the right time and can chip in important goals for his team. He ideally likes to play as a defensive midfielder but is capable of playing in any other midfield role, thus, making him a versatile option. His addition would bring in a boost of confidence, stability, and control in the midfield for Arsenal.

Characteristically, the 22-year-old is someone, who doesn't hog the limelight too much and quietly goes about his business for his team and country. At such a young age, he can surely be a potential replacement for a player of the caliber of Wilshere.

Golovin was one of Russia's stars at the World Cup.

#2 Aleksandr Golovin

Golovin is arguably the most ideal Wilshere replacement in terms of his playing style and he has been on the radar of the London club for some time now. Before the World Cup even started, the Gunners were heavily linked with a move for the youngster. Till now, he has attracted interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Juventus among others.

Th Russian wonderkid is the midfield engine of both the Russian National Team and CSKA Moscow. His attacking prowess, involving his ball control in tight spots, his passing range and his ability to carry the ball forward, make him a special talent at such a young age. He is capable of winning the ball in the midfield and has also got an eye for scoring as was evident from his displays at the 2018 World Cup.

Golovin was, without a doubt, one of the best young players at the World Cup. He was also a crucial factor behind Russia reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The Russian magician will not come cheap by any means at all. So, Arsenal may have to reach deep in their pocket to sign him.

Meyer is arguably the hottest free agent in football right now.

#1 Max Meyer

Meyer is another apt option for Arsenal to sign due to his similar playing style to Wilshere. Temptingly, the 22-year-old is considered one of the top young midfielders in Europe and is currently not associated with any club after refusing to renew with Schalke.

Meyer, who prefers playing as an attacking midfielder or a winger, is more than capable of playing as a central playmaker. He has got good ball control, passing ability, vision, and dribbling skills akin to Wilshere. The most attractive attribute is his tendency to look for team-mates in goal scoring positions. Add to that, the fact he can contribute with goals of his own from time to time. All these qualities make him an extremely valuable asset in a team.

Max Meyer is very young and will only become better with time. Therefore, he should be the front-runner for replacing Jack Wilshere in the eyes of coach Unai Emery. Given that he is also a free agent, this could end up being a superb piece of business for the Gunners.