Paul Scholes lashed out at Jack Wilshere after the Arsenal midfielder made a season-long loan move to Bournemouth on the Premier League transfer deadline day.
The former Manchester United and England legend questioned the 24-year-old's vision in joining a club that battles to stay out of relegation zone. Scholes thinks Wilshere would have been better served if he had played in foreign conditions. Notably, the Gunners midfielder got offers from Serie A biggies Roma, AC Milan apart from one from Crystal Palace, according to dailymail.co.uk.
"I would have liked to have seen him, if he did have to leave Arsenal, go to a big club like Roma. Get some experience abroad, I think that would have been great for him and would have been great for the England team as well," Scholes told Sky Sports News.
The England international has been battling with injuries and featured in only three league games last season. Owing to lack of match pracise, he was also dropped from Sam Allardyce's England squad for the World Cup Qualifiers on 5 September. After falling out of Arsene Wenger's plans, Wilshere's loan move was anticipated. Bournemouth offered £3m loan fee and closed the deal after it showed willingness to pay £80,000 per-week. It is also reported that Wilshere had discussed with David Beckham before considering the move.
Wilshere, who was facing stiff challenge for a spot in the midfield from Granit Xhaka, Mohamed Elneny and Santi Cazorla at Arsenal is not guaranteed of a spot in the playing XI at Bournemouth, according to Scholes. The 41-year-old believes the midfielder will have to fight for his place at his new club.
"Just because he is going to Bournemouth, doesn't mean he is going to play all the time. He has to perform whatever club you are at, whether you are at Bournemouth, Arsenal, Man United or Roma. I'm sure there are other players at Bournemouth who are saying 'I'm going to be playing instead of Jack - I want his place'," Scholes said.
The United legend expressed concern about Wilshere's fitness and said he was disappointed with the lack of ambition shown by the midfielder.
"If he stays fit then there is no doubt he is the top player there. But he should be playing for a top three or four club in England and that is what he should be aiming for. I just worry a little that he has set his sights too low," Scholes said.
