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A host of Premier League clubs were put on red alert this week after Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere announced he would be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of June.

The 26-year-old, who has played for Arsenal for ten years since graduating from the club's youth setup, was told by new Gunners boss Unai Emery that he would not play a major role in his squad next season, prompting the midfielder to seek pastures new.

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Though Wilshere would be available on a free transfer, the player's wage demands could be a sticking point for certain clubs. The midfielder reportedly earns £110,000 per week in his current deal at Arsenal and would be unlikely to accept any significant cut to his salary.

With the England international now up for grabs, fans of Newcastle United have been debating the prospect of signing Wilshere, with responses so far proving to be a decidedly mixed bag. While some Magpies fans welcomed the prospect of signing a player of Wilshere's calibre, others expressed their reservations over signing a player with such a widely-reported history of injury problems.

Other Newcastle fans questioned whether or not a move for Wilshere was entirely realistic, given the lack of funds made available by club chairman Mike Ashley.

Wilshere made a total of 197 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, scoring 14 goals. The midfielder has also made 34 appearances for England but was not included for selection in Gareth Southgate's 23-man World Cup squad this summer, despite managing to make 38 appearances for Arsenal in a relatively injury-free campaign.