Ibrox View: Rangers must renew ‘genuine interest’ in 28y/o mid after major injury blow
Rangers may need to consider renewing their reported interest in former Arsenal and West Ham man Jack Wilshere following a fresh injury blow to Scott Arfield.
Arfield suffered a knock during the win over Hibernian on Boxing Day and there was hope that it was nothing too serious.
However, after sitting out of the game against St Mirren, Steven Gerrard confirmed that the midfielder would also miss the crucial derby against Celtic on Saturday.
The Herald report that the Canadian could be sidelined for a few weeks and with Ryan Jack remaining sidelined, the midfield has suddenly become an area of concern for Gerrard and his staff.
Ex-Arsenal man Wilshere has been linked with Rangers recently – back in October, TalkSPORT claimed that the Gers had ‘genuine’ interest in the player.
He remains without a club ahead of the January window and is training with Bournemouth in a bid to maintain his fitness.
The Times report that Wilshere has eyes on an MLS move, but no date has been confirmed for a new season in the States as things stand.
This could all play into Rangers’ hand if they were targeting a short-term solution to cover any further injury doubts in the middle of the park.
Pay-as-you play deals have become a regular fixture in top-flight football and that could be an avenue that protects Rangers against any potential injury troubles that Wilshere may suffer going forward.
With the ex-England international looking to get back to full speed ahead of a permanent move elsewhere, the deal could help both parties.
Wilshere has not played more than 20 leagues in any given season since the 2016/17 campaign – but Rangers would not be bringing him in to so if he is only viewed as a cover option.
Gerrard will have seen first hand the impact that comes from having experienced players like Wilshere can have around the club.
Some of the club’s younger stars have been hailing the likes of Jermain Defoe in the past and the ex-Arsenal man could have a similar impact.
Wilshere is certainly no long-term solution, but the timing may be perfect for both parties to take advantage of the current situation that Rangers find themselves in.
In other Rangers news, ‘No sentiment’ – Steven Gerrard hints in-form Rangers stars could be dropped v Celtic