by Lewis Ambrose

Having failed with a bid for Liverpool’s Raheem Sterling reports about Manchester City’s interest in Jack Wilshere have risen.

The Citizens were linked with Arsenal and England midfielder Wilshere before the season even ended and may look to test Arsenal’s resolve with a bid.

English

City are desperate for English talent as they look set to struggle to meet the squad restrictions imposed by the Premier League and UEFA.

Manchester City’s squad list submitted to the Premier League in January included six home-grown players, but the club have since lost three of those with Dedryck Boyata, Frank Lampard and James Milner leaving.

It is no surprise, then, that City are bidding for Sterling while being linked with a whole host of English players.

After a disappointing season they can’t just sign any English players, they need enough talent to improve the squad too.

“They need to fill their home-grown quota and they need to bring quality in,”  said Sky Sports News reporter James Cooper.

“One of those elite players who has certainly caught their attention is Jack Wilshere. There is firm interest in the Arsenal player.”

Wilshere, who scored two goals for England in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Slovenia, would be anything but cheap – if available at any price.

“Wilshere is certainly on their radar, and it isn’t a Sterling or Wilshere, Manchester City would quite like it to be Sterling and Wilshere.”

Moreover, if Manchester City can’t clinch a deal for Sterling they will be even more desperate to snap up Wilshere, who has no interest in leaving.

Warning

Just six days ago the 23 year-old midfielder spoke about his future.

“I wouldn’t go somewhere just because I’m a home-grown player,” said Wilshere.

“I’ve grown up at Arsenal. As long as Arsenal want me, I’m happy.”

 

It would seem that Arsenal do want him. Back in April, Arsène Wenger warned Manchester City off his midfielder.

“We are not in a position anymore where we have to sell our best players,” said the Arsenal boss when he was asked about alleged interest in Wilshere.

For a few years now Wilshere has struggled with injuries but it is obvious Wenger has complete belief in him.

It doesn’t feel like there’s any amount of money that could tempt Arsenal into selling but if Jack Wilshere does leave the club it will only be because a bid of a stupidly large amount of money has come in.