Jack Wilshere set for Arsenal return under Mikel Arteta

Arsenal had a busy transfer window and while six positions were bolstered with new signings, the stand-offish approach to midfield remains one lasting gripe.

Everyone has taken to Albert Sambi Lokonga as well as he’s taken to Premier League football. The Belgian boasts silky quality on the ball and a positive approach to progression. He can’t have done much more to endear himself to supporters.

As a signing, he’s a big tick.

The less said about the decision to sign Granit Xhaka to a new contract the better. Partly because there is nothing that there is left to say that hasn’t already been said, and partly because it causes a few internal fires to break out. There is quite literally no logical explanation for it.

Jack Wilshere set for Arsenal return under Mikel Arteta as midfielder is offered to train in north London ahead of securing new club

But the end goal is that the midfield hasn’t been adequately seen to. It’s almost identical with Sambi taking the place of Dani Ceballos and Ainsley Maitland-Niles moving into the hole left by the ever-absent Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira. Sort of.

Another player with experience of the division who could come in and make an immediate impact would have been preferable. Which is where Jack Wilshere comes into the conversation: 197 appearances, 14 goals, two FA Cups. That’s experience.

And he is coming back! To train, of course.

Without a club and recently being away with Como in Serie B as he looks to maintain his fitness ahead of a potential move, Arteta invited his former teammate to come back and train with his side, stating:

"“He is someone that I know who I shared the dressing room with, who is so loved around the club with every person here and our doors are always open,” Arteta said."

It appears as if the offer will be taken up, too. Speaking to Sky Sports, Wilshere revealed he’d be in contact with the club over the coming days to explore the possibility.

"“I really enjoyed playing with him, sharing a dressing room with him. To hear him come out and say the door is always open is nice,” Wilshere said. “I think that it can only help me. As you said, being a round good players, training with world-class players and, as well, just being in a team environment is something that I am interested in. I am sure that I will have a conversation with someone at the club over the next couple of days.”"

And, who knows, maybe a short-term pay-as-you-play contract could be arranged?

Continued…

We Love Jack Wilshere, But That’s Not Enough to Play for Arsenal

Wilshere was one of those players who as an Arsenal fan you adored, but completely understood why opposing supporters were, shall we say…less on board with that concept.

The chants after the FA Cup win, the mesmeric 19-year-old midfield performance where Xavi and Andres Iniesta were left chasing shadows in the Champions League, and how about the greatest team goal Arsenal have ever scored against Norwich?

There are many very fond memories of the Hale Ender.

And the romantic idea of handing him a pay-as-you-pay contract or some form of short-term deal has naturally been flung about. Nostalgia runs through football supporters’ veins. All that Aaron Ramsey talk had a similar emotional attachment.

Nobody should be under any illusions that Wilshere is still good enough to play for Arsenal. Unable to get a contract with a Championship club let alone a Premier League side and having to drop into the second division in Italy just to train with the hope of a deal, it’s a ship that has sailed.

Injuries have ruined his career and the decision not to stay and fight for his place under Unai Emery is one he’s openly admitted was a mistake.

What could have been, eh?

Nonetheless, having him in and around the training ground is harmless. It can only be a positive move: he’s loved, friendly, spirited and highly thought of. Characters such as him are always welcome. How much would someone like Charlie Patino benefit from his guidance and experience? Massively, is the answer.

It looks like Jack is coming back. Sort of.