Could Newcastle United’s Rafa Benitez revive the career of Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere?

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Rafa Benitez could be about to offer forgotten man Jack Wilshere the opportunity to revive his career at Newcastle United. Wilshere, who spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, was left out of Arsenal’s match-day squad for their Premier League curtain-raiser against Leicester City. The England midfielder fractured his ankle while playing for the Cherries against Tottenham Hotspur back in April and, despite having recovered, he is struggling to force his way into Arsene Wenger’s plans.

Wilshere has been linked with a number of clubs both domestically and abroad this summer, with The Sun now claiming Benitez is keen on bringing him to St James’ Park. Newcastle suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spurs at the weekend in their first top-flight match since being promoted as Championship champions. Benitez knows he needs to add more quality and depth to his squad, with only Jacob Murphy, Javi Manquillo and Florian Lejeune joining the club in this transfer window.

The Newcastle boss has been left frustrated in his attempts to bolster his resources but signing a player of Wilshere’s calibre would be a huge statement of intent. Although the 25-year-old has failed to live up to his potential in an injury-blighted career, there is no denying his talent. He created only two assists and didn’t get on the scoresheet for Bournemouth last season, but those statistics do not tell the whole story. Wilshere was a class apart in midfield and often his vision went unrewarded. His ability to glide past opponents is a joy to watch and Wilshere’s total of 27 appearances for the Cherries was his highest since the 2010/11 campaign.

Wenger appears to be willing to offload Wilshere if a club meets his asking price. With Jonjo Shelvey suspended for three matches following his red card against Tottenham Hotspur, Benitez needs to act quickly and Wilshere could be the man to fill the void in Newcastle’s midfield. While his preference would be to remain at Arsenal, his boyhood club, Wilshere understands he needs to be playing regular football if he is to remain in the thoughts of England manager Gareth Southgate. The desire to regain his place in the national team was behind his loan switch to Bournemouth last season.