Wilshere without a club

One time Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has had a tough career, with his undoubted talent hampered by the regularity of his injury woes, which saw him nicknamed “Jack Wheelchair” by many.

In a revealing interview with The Athletic, the former Arsenal and England man revealed that he felt the door had been closed to him in England due to his injury reputation, but had been training with Italian side Como in pre-season.

🗣️ @JackWilshere: “I shouldn’t have left Arsenal…”

Read Jack Wilshere’s open and honest interview with @David_Ornstein, now on The Athletic.

➡️ https://t.co/5WDlvPoVGb pic.twitter.com/oYhZRPbRk0

— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) August 25, 2021

Wilshere made 198 appearances for the Gunners during his first spell, but amid injury to Mohammed Elneny and the loss of both the Egyptian and Thomas Partey to the Africa Cup of Nations in January, could he be set to return?

Arteta reveals all

Mikel Arteta was once again quizzed on the possibility of Jack Wilshere returning to train with the Gunners ahead of his side’s trip to Burnley on Saturday.

The Spaniard had previously revealed that the door was open, something which Jack Wilshere certainly appreciated hearing.

Arteta on whether Jack Wilshere could train with Arsenal:

“Our doors are always open.”https://t.co/XjYnEfp69b

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) September 9, 2021

The Englishman said:

“I really enjoyed playing with him, sharing a dressing room with him. To hear him come out & say the door is always open is nice. I’m sure I’ll have a conversation with someone at the club over the next few days.” 

Jack Wilshere on Arteta: “I really enjoyed playing with him, sharing a dressing room with him. To hear him come out & say the door is always open is nice. I’m sure I’ll have a conversation with someone at the club over the next few days.” #afc pic.twitter.com/365JUtIqC9

— afcstuff (@afcstuff) September 14, 2021

Now, speaking ahead of the trip to Turf Moor, Arteta revealed that conversations have been had about just that possibility, saying:

“We are in conversations with Jack to understand as well what he needs what he’s looking for. He’s a person and a player who has huge admiration from everyone. We are willing to help him as much as we can. He knows that”

However, he stopped short of confirming that the midfielder would work his way back into the Arsenal squad. When asked about the possibility of a pay as you play contract, the Spaniard replied:

“I wouldn’t take it that far”

While this sounds like the end of the line for Wilshere’s romantic return, the wry smile that accompanied the reply suggested that while it is not a reality yet, it could become one down the line.

Read more:

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu explains why Premier League is difficult for Japanese players

When Bernd Leno is expected to start again for Arsenal revealed after Arteta ‘promise’

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