According to Ladbrokes, Southampton are one of the favourites to sign Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere on a permanent deal next summer.

The 24-year-old was once rated as one of the finest young players in England, but a succession of injury problems meant that he had to make a temporary move away from the Gunners during the summer to play regular first-team football.

The England international decided to join Bournemouth and he has started the season well with the Cherries, making eight Premier League appearances for Eddie Howe’s men.

That impressive form for the south coast outfit means the midfielder has caught the attention of a number of other top-flight clubs, including Southampton and West Ham United, who are 8/1 and 9/2 respectively to sign the Arsenal star.

Here are three reasons why the Saints should bring Wilshere to St Mary’s Stadium…

He would be an upgrade in midfield

While Southampton have some good midfield options with names like Steven Davis, James Ward-Prowse and Jordy Clasie to pick from, you can’t help but feel that Wilshere would add that extra bit of quality in the middle of the pitch.

As well as being comfortable on the ball, he can also produce moments of magic in the final third– something that the aforementioned names struggle with, especially when it comes to finding the net.

He suits their possession game

Saints boss Claude Puel likes his players to be comfortable in possession and capable of making quick, short and incisive passes.

That is something that Wilshere can do, as we have seen during his career with the Gunners, and he has continued to show that during his time with Bournemouth.

The 24-year-old is able to turn on a sixpence to get himself out of danger and find space, and would certainly fit into Puel’s philosophy.

He could be available on the cheap

By the time Wilshere returns to the Emirates Stadium next summer following the expiry of his season-long loan deal with Bournemouth, he will only have one year left on his Arsenal contract.

With players like Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka establishing themselves in the deep-lying midfield positions under Arsene Wenger, the Frenchman may look to cash in on the England international, but his fee could be significantly reduced with his deal due to expire.