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Arsenal transfer news: President confirms talks over £20m midfielder

By mac14 on July 24, 2017

According to quotes in the Express, Antalyaspor president Ali Safak Ozturk has confirmed they are in talks with Arsenal over a potential deal to sign £20m-rated midfielder Jack Wilshere this summer.

Wilshere’s future at the Emirates Stadium is up in the air as he has just 12 months left to run on his contract and there are no signs that an extension will be offered.

The 25-year-old was sent out on loan to AFC Bournemouth last summer in a bid to prove his fitness following several injury-plagued seasons in north London.

However, after an encouraging few months on the south Coast, Jack’s campaign was brought to an abrupt end after he suffered yet another leg fracture against Tottenham back in April.

Wilshere is now expected to be sold this summer and the Express claim we’ve slapped a £20m price-tag on his head after rejecting a cheeky £7.5m offer from Sampdoria.

West Ham and Swansea have also been linked with the midfielder but it looks like a surprise club have now entered the race as Antalyaspor have confirmed they are in talks with Arsenal chiefs over a deal.

However, the clubs president, Ali Safak Ozturk, suggests our valuation means a transfer to Turkey is unlikely. He’s quoted as saying by the Express:

“We made an enquiry and are in talks but Arsenal want a lot for Wilshere. It will be a difficult move to pull off.”

I’l be honest, I think Wilshere deserves better than to be playing in the Turkish league so I’ll be relieved if nothing comes of Antalyaspor’s interest.

The Express suggest that Wilshere’s preferred option would be to join West Ham and Slaven Bilic is understood to be a huge fan, so fingers crossed we can agree terms with our London rivals.

READ: Arsenal in talks to sign £40m midfielder

A move to the London Stadium would make sense for all parties and I personally hope Jack manages to overcome his injury woes and goes on to fulfill his potential. It’s just a shame it’s not going to happen at Arsenal.