Tottenham Hotspur has faced direct criticism from traditional rivals. Jack Wilshere, who has played for Arsenal for a long time, has issued strong criticism, predicting Tottenham's decline in the upcoming season. On the other hand, he confidently emphasized Arsenal's potential to dominate in Europe.
On the 18th (Korean time), the British media Football365 reported on Wilshere's outlook for the 2025-2026 season. He noted, "Arsenal can definitely aim for the UEFA Champions League title," adding, "Tottenham will find it difficult to win even five matches throughout the season," which he cynically evaluated as making it hard to avoid a relegation battle.
Wilshere, who is currently active as the youth team coach at Arsenal after retiring, expressed trust in manager Mikel Arteta. He added, "There is an opinion that Arsenal needs a number 9, but if a few key players are reinforced while maintaining the current squad, we can definitely aim for the title."
Wilshere, who made his professional debut with Arsenal in the 2008-2009 season, spent ten years at the club and was expected to be a future core player, but frequent injuries hindered his progress. He left a record of 2 goals in 32 International matches for England and transitioned to coaching after retiring in 2022.
Wilshere's mockery is not hollow, due to Tottenham's performance last season. The team achieved victory in the UEFA Europa League after 17 years, but finished a disappointing 17th in the Premier League, damaging their reputation. Following the poor league performance, manager Ange Postecoglou was dismissed, and Thomas Frank, who had success with Brentford, was appointed as his successor.
On that day, the Premier League office officially announced the schedule for the opening match of the 2025-2026 season. Tottenham will start the season with a first-round match against Burnley on August 16. However, more urgent than the new season is the future of captain Son Heung-min.
British broadcaster BBC reported, "Interest from Saudi clubs is growing stronger, and after the Korean preseason tour, discussions regarding Son Heung-min's transfer may intensify." It added, "Son Heung-min has only 12 months left on his contract, and the club is coordinating the timing of the transfer to avoid issues with the tour organizers."
At least three Saudi clubs are sending love calls to Son Heung-min. Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Qadsiah are said to be each eager to recruit Son Heung-min and are prepared to offer an annual salary of 49.1 billion won. Such conditions are realistically burdensome for European clubs to compete with.
Saudi Arabia regards Son Heung-min not merely as an attacking option but as a marketing asset for expanding into the East Asian market. In particular, there are high expectations that the brand value of Son Heung-min will be key to the success of participating in the AFC Champions League elite.
If Son Heung-min, a symbol of Tottenham, leaves the team, it could have a significant impact not only on the Asian tour but also on the entire club. With Tottenham starting a rebuilding process, whether Jack Wilshere's harsh words will become a prophecy or remain a worry will be revealed in time.
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