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Jack Wilshere could make a second return to Arsenal's academy as he is in contention become the new head coach of the Under-21s side following the departure of Mehmet Ali, according to multiple reports.
The Hale End graduate is currently out of work after he left his role as a first-team coach at Norwich City following the conclusion of last season. He took charge of the Canaries as interim manager for the final two games of the campaign before departing.
Having already had a stint as the Gunners' Under-18s head coach, he now finds himself as a strong candidate to take the reins at the next age level and that would see him make his second return to Arsenal since he left the club in 2018.
Jack Wilshere could make second return to Arsenal's academy
Jack Wilshere in contention for swift Arsenal return as new U21s head coach
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) August 6, 2025
✍️ @sr_collings#AFC https://t.co/JCFEoMPTba
Wilshere began his coaching career at Arsenal when he took charge of the club's Under-18s side in July 2022, just days after he had confirmed his retirement from playing.
He led the young Gunners, including Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, to the final of the 2022/23 FA Youth Cup in his maiden season at the helm, but they lost 5-1 to another of Wilshere's former clubs, West Ham. The former England international remained the head coach of the U18s until October 2024, when he left to join Johannes Hoff Thorup's backroom staff at Norwich.
Following Thorup's dismissal in April 2025, Wilshere took charge of the Canaries' final two league games as interim manager, winning one and drawing the other before departing Carrow Road.
Now linked with another return to Hale End after Under-21s head coach Mehmet Ali left to join Brentford, Wilshere could bring more experience to the youth set-up.
He had previously coached talents such as Max Dowman at Arsenal and could resume doing so if he is to take the reins of the Under-21 side.
Standard Sport reported that the recruitment process is not yet complete, but Wilshere is said to be a strong candidate to take Ali's place. It would be great to see him make another Gunners comeback as he looks to continue the development of his coaching career.