ESPN pundit Paul Mariner has said that Jack Wilshere should leave Arsenal.

Jack Wilshere is currently back in first-team training with Arsenal following a leg fracture and despite plenty of speculation about his future, he looks set to stay at Arsenal.

The midfielder’s reluctance to leave England may be playing a part in that. Both Sampdoria and Antalyaspor have expressed an interest in signing him, but Wilshere wants to remain in London for family reasons.

According to ESPN pundit Paul Mariner, though, the 25-year-old needs to spread his wings if he wants to further his career. “It is [time for him to leave Arsenal],” Mariner told ESPN via the Express.

“What I didn’t like from Wilshere is he wants to stay in London. I mean, look, you go play your football wherever you’re going to play your football.

“I just don’t like that from him. I think he’s got to spread his wings. To be honest, as an Englishman and an ex-Arsenal player, I’d like to see him just spread his wings totally and go abroad.”

It’s something that’s very easy to say from the sidelines without knowing Wilshere’s personal circumstances. While a footballer could quite easily move abroad and flourish as a player, it’s a different story if that player has a family that needs to come with him.

Life in Italy and Turkey is very different to live in London. Currently, it seems that Wilshere will reject advances from overseas to prove his worth at Arsenal. The Gunners, for their part, will only sell if they receive a very good offer.

Otherwise, they seem happy to keep him as part of the squad for next season. Wilshere has 12 months remaining on his contract, but has yet to be offered a new one.