Our Arsenal fans in the Transfer Tavern are split on how they feel if Jack Wilshere is to leave the Emirates this summer.

Arsene Wenger brought in Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and signed Mesut Ozil up to a new lucrative long-term contract in January after losing a certain Alexis Sanchez. Obviously, all of this got the Gunners in the bar very excited for the future. However, the one bit of news which would have completed it all would have been the announcement of Wilshere extending his contract.

With the new signings and their bumper wage packages, Wilshere would surely now want to be upping his weekly wages to go in-line with the big earners at the Emirates, and to a point return his loyalty to the Gunners.

However, our barman believes Arsenal’s final take it or leave it contract offer signals a certain intent for the Gunners and Wenger should be looking for alternatives already in the summer. Our landlord agrees with this statement and takes a look at TWO potential stars that could be an upgrade on the possibly departing Englishman…

Nabil Fekir

The French playmaker is having his best season to date in Ligue 1 with Lyon, the 24-year-old is creating a buzz in the French League with his attacking displays. So far this season, he has helped himself to 21 goals and seven assists in the league, in just 34 appearances.

Perhaps Wenger’s French influence could turn Fekir from a relative unknown outside of Ligue 1 to a Gunners starter for seasons to come, much like he did with Thierry Henry.

Luis Alberto

Alberto is an out an out playmaker, who thrives on playing right down the centre of the park, potentially giving the Gunners a number of options. The Spaniard, who is with Lazio in Serie A at present, is on fire this season with eight goals and 12 assists in his 39 starts for the Italian side across all competitions.

Though he failed to impress all too much at Liverpool, he’s certainly found his form over in Italy and certainly boasts the technical quality to thrive at the Emirates. Perhaps a more reliable option than Wilshere and one who can develop his game even further.