It is probably true that the former Arsenal star Liam Brady knows the Arsenal and England midfielder better than almost anyone else at the club, including our manager Arsene Wenger, as it was the Irishman in his role of running the Arsenal academy that was responsible for the development of young Jack from the time he joined the Gunners as a 10-year old boy.
It was Brady that made him the captain of the Arsenal under 16 side and he would have played a big part in convincing Wenger that his protege was ready for the step up to the first team as a 16-year old in 2008. Back then it looked like Wilshere was going to be the best player our academy system had ever produced but things have not gone according to plan since then.
Brady clearly feels that Jack could still turn out to be the jewel in the crown of our youth system but he recognises what a negative effect all the injury problems have had. Despite that, however, and with Arsenal transfer rumours suggesting that Man City are ready with a £30 million transfer bid this summer, the former academy director thinks that Wenger would be making a big mistake in letting the 23/year old leave, because of his love for the club as well as his ability.
Brady said, “I don’t know what is going through Arsene Wenger’s mind, I don’t know what is going through Jack Wilshere’s mind, but I think I know what is going through the people at Man City’s minds – they need English players and it is no surprise to see they might target Jack Wilshere.
“But I would hate to see him leave the club because I have known the kid since he was ten years of age and he is Arsenal through and through.”
The former midfielder also thinks he knows why Jack has been plagued with problems in recent years and it just needs a slight change of attitude and a better use of the old noggin to stop it from happening so much in the future.
He went on, “I think Jack is too brave for his own good.
“He goes into challenges where he isn’t favourite and he is dangling his leg out. He is too brave for his own good and has paid the price for that.
“But it is early days yet for Jack. You just have to think of how he played for England against Brazil at Wembley that day that England beat Brazil. He was absolutely fantastic. He ran the show in the middle of the park.
“And how he played against Barcelona when Arsenal beat Barcelona in the Champions League – let’s hope we can get Jack back to that level.”
Maybe Wenger has not played Wilshere in recent weeks to make sure that he does finish this se4ason fit but is that to help him shine next season for Arsenal, or to get the best price from a club like Man City?