Why Arsenal Should Not Sell Jack Wilshere This Summer

Last week, Jack Wilshere took another big step in his rehabilitation from injury by playing for Arsenal’s under-21s. A crowd of 2,831 saw the England international play 65 minutes as he attempts to regain full fitness ahead of this summer’s European Championships.

While Wilshere was greeted with hearty cheers, there are those among the Arsenal support whose patience is wearing thin. Nevertheless, this is not the time to let the homegrown hero go. Arsenal need to keep hold of Wilshere—for now. 

It’s easy to see why Arsenal might consider selling Wilshere. At times it feels as if he’s set to be a player perennially talked about in terms of potential. His talent is not in question, but his capacity to translate that ability into tangible contributions certainly is. 

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Much of that, of course, is due to injury. Incredibly, Wilshere has not played a single minute for Arsenal’s first team this season—and this comes after missing significant chunks of the previous campaign. Wilshere’s injury curse has limited his game-time and thus hindered his development.

His off-field antics haven’t helped. Controversy seems to follow him wherever he goes. The latest indiscretion had the Press Association (h/t the Guardian) reporting that Wilshere was involved in an “altercation” outside a nightclub in London’s West End. It’s not the sort of conduct Arsenal fans want to see from a player whose sole focus ought to be regaining fitness.  

Arsene Wenger might have taken the opportunity to condemn Wilshere’s behaviour in public. Instead, he backed the under-fire midfielder. The Gunners boss said, per the BBC: 

"

I've spoken to him. It looks to be taken out of proportion a little bit. These are matters we like to keep internal. There was no training session the next day. I had a day off. You can accept players go out.

At the moment I believe he's a real football brain, Jack Wilshere. He loves football. He's very serious, very dedicated. The only thing that could stop him from having the career he can make is injuries. 

He had the history of his injuries. It's been bad recently. But I hope he can get rid of that and make the career he deserves. 

"

Wenger seems certain that the career Wilshere deserves is one at Arsenal. Having invested so much time in his development, it would be a real shame to see him blossom elsewhere.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Timing is also key. This is not a summer in which Arsenal can afford to lose many more midfielders. Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Tomas Rosicky will all be out of contract, and as yet there are no signs of any of that trio receiving an extension.

Although the January signing of Mohamed Elneny has given Arsenal a powerful and versatile midfield presence, there is still a need for bodies in the centre of the park.

Although not a traditional ball-winner, Wilshere would give Wenger an intriguing option as a deep-lying playmaker. Like Santi Cazorla, he has the low centre of gravity required to spin away from markers in crowded zones, as well as the passing ability to find the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez early.

Wilshere regularly played alongside Francis Coquelin at youth level, and he will be eager to reprise that partnership in the senior team. 

Wilshere will be eager to make some impact on Arsenal’s 2015/16 campaign. Perhaps a more sensible approach would be to target significant playing time next season. It seems Arsene Wenger is rightfully determined to keep hold of the gifted midfielder.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and is following the club from a London base throughout 2015/16. Follow him on Twitter here.