West Ham United’s move to sign Jack Wilshere has been met with a positive reaction by supporters and journalists alike, as Manuel Pellegrini continues to build his squad ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Wilshere became the Hammers’ fourth signing of the summer this week when he agreed to pen a three-year contract in east London, joining Ryan Fredericks, Lukasz Fabianski and Issa Diop in moving to London Stadium.
A host of experts have hailed the deal in the 24 hours since, saying West Ham are making exciting strides in the build-up to the new Premier League season.
Jamie Redknapp was full of praise when speaking to Sky Sports, saying: "They need an icon, they need a hero again, they love their Dimitri Payets, the Trevor Brookings, the players that can do something different at that club. I'm sure he can fit the bill.
"He's only 26, still got plenty of game time in him and I hope he does well.
"I'm pleased he's staying in the country and I think West Ham's a good fit for him.
"They’ll be crying out for a hero there and I'm sure he can do a good job, it's a good move for him."
Former Arsenal legend Ray Parlour also believes the Hammers have made a good signing, Tweeting: “Good luck Jack Wilshere, great signing for West Ham United. My dad is happy!”
The Mirror’s Arsenal expert John Cross joined in with the positive coverage, saying: “Jack Wilshere will be brilliant for West Ham. He deserves some luck and his talent will do the rest. Will have a connection with the fans, I’m sure.”
Meanwhile, one of the men who knows him best, Wilshere’s old boss Arsene Wenger, is in no doubt of his ability.
He told beIN Sport: “Jack Wilshere is a playmaker. He is a bit of a Messi type. He makes me think about Mbappe because I played him at 17 years of age because he was an exceptional talent.
“Unfortunately he has been stopped very early by big injuries to his ankle, and I believe that now he's come out of it.
“He's an exceptional player - he can pass people, he can give a final ball, he has a fantastic football brain.
“He is a great guy as well because when you have gone through what he has gone through medically you need to be mentally very strong. He can take pressure, believe me.”
In an analysis piece on Sky Sports, Adam Bates believes Wilshere is up to the challenge of a fresh start with the Hammers.
He wrote: "That [the transfer] will bring with it different challenges. He will find himself in a team likely to enjoy less possession and there will be work to do without the ball.
"But Mauricio Pellegrini favours a passing game and Wilshere's time at Bournemouth showed that he can be an asset for a team outside the top six too. He should settle quickly at the club he supported as a boy."
Finally, football.london's Sam Inkersole believes Wilshere has found the perfect manager in Manuel Pellegrini.
"Pellegrini has a great track record with getting the best out of creative, attacking midfielders such as Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal, Isco at Malaga and David Silva at Manchester City to name but a few," wrote Inkersole.
"Jack Wilshere will be the next on his hitlist though with the England man, there isn't much more to mould into something Pellegrini wants - Wilshere already has it."
