Two-time FA Cup winner Jack Wilshere is reportedly on course for a stunning return to Arsenal. The 29-year-old left the North London side in 2018 after more than a decade with the senior team before joining West Ham United on a free transfer.
Wilshere was tipped to become Arsenal’s midfield general but failed to live up to his potential as he struggled with injuries under former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. He won Arsenal’s Player of the Year and a PFA Young Player of the Year award winner in 2011. However, recurring injuries stalled Wilshere’s progress as he scrambled to get back into the first-team squad at Arsenal. This eventually resulted in the player moving out on loan to Bournemouth during the 2016-17 season before officially leaving for West Ham.
Following a rather difficult two seasons with the Hammers, Wilshere and West Ham mutually agreed to part ways in October 2020. The Englishman had been a free agent and was often spotted training alone before joining Championship side Bournemouth in January 2021 on a short-term deal till the end of the season.
However, after a fairly tumultuous spell since leaving Arsenal, it appears that Wilshere is on the cusp of a sensational homecoming.
Jack Wilshere responds to Mikel Arteta’s potential offer to return to Arsenal
Earlier this week, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed that the club’s door was “always open” for someone like Wilshere, who is still adored by the Gunners faithful. On Tuesday, Wilshere spoke to Sky Sports and further added fuel to the fire over a potential homecoming.
After stating that he was pleased upon hearing Arteta’s invitation, Wilshere hinted at a possible return to the Emirates. He said, “It can only help me as a player. Being around good players, training with world-class players and as well just being in a team environment is something I’m interested in. I’m sure that I’ll have a conversation with someone at the club over the next couple of days.”
Wilshere joined the Arsenal youth academy at the age of nine and impressed many as he came through the ranks as a spirited and combative midfielder. He made his senior debut for the club in September 2008. In total, he made 197 appearances for the club and scored 14 goals.
