Arsenal Midfielder Looking for West Ham Escape Route Ahead of 2018 World Cup

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is reportedly eager to make the switch across London to West Ham in January, in a bid to pick up some much needed game time ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

The 25-year-old is yet to appear in the Premier League for the Gunners this season, though his two performances in the Europa League have been impressive. The injury-stricken Englishman finds himself on the cusp of the first team, and is believed to be after a way out of the Emirates Stadium.

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According to the Daily Star, Wilshere is desperate to make a move across the capital to the London Stadium - following in the footsteps of compatriot Joe Hart, whose loan move to the Hammers has seemingly saved his scrutinised international career.

Crystal Palace are also said to be interested in Wilshere. The Eagles find themselves in a crisis at the moment, having failed to score in their opening seven Premier League games this season - all of which have been losses. Roy Hodgson reportedly believes that Wilshere can play an important role within the squad.

But Wilshere is set on West Ham. Consistent game time at a strong team in the league might persuade Gareth Southgate to put him on the plane to Russia come the summer - which is Wilshere's main target at this point.

Whatever happens, Arsenal will refuse to send him out on loan again. Arsene Wenger slapped a £20m price tag on the midfielder in the summer when Slaven Bilic previously showed interest in his services, but with his contract expiring in the summer, a cut price will surely be available for Wilshere.