Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is in line for a shock return to his boyhood club after emerging as a contender for the vacant U21s head coach position. The Gunners are currently seeking a successor to Mehmet Ali, who departed the club earlier this summer to take on a senior coaching role at Brentford under newly appointed head coach Keith Andrews.
- Wilshere linked with Arsenal return
- Gunners seeking a replacement for Mehmet Ali
- Club prioritising youth and academy growth
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Wilshere, who previously worked within Arsenal’s youth setup as U18s head coach, left the Emirates to further his coaching career with Norwich City in the Championship. In April, he was named interim head coach after the departure of Johannes Hoff Thorup. However, his time at the helm ended in June when the club appointed Liam Manning as their permanent manager, and he then left the Canaries' coaching team. The 33-year-old is now contemplating his next move, with a potential Arsenal return on the table, as revealed by the
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
While Wilshere is being strongly considered for the U21s job, no concrete decision has yet been made by Arsenal. The former Gunners midfielder did enjoy success in his previous role at the club, guiding the U18s to the 2023 FA Youth Cup final.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Wilshere recently interviewed for the managerial position at Plymouth Argyle following Ian Foster’s exit. Though he was among the final candidates, the role ultimately went to former Manchester United and England midfielder Tom Cleverley.
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WHAT NEXT FOR WILSHERE?
The Gunners have significantly ramped up their focus on youth development in recent seasons. This commitment has borne fruit, with talents such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly breaking into the first-team setup.
Returning to the Emirates would mark a homecoming for Wilshere, who came through the club’s famed academy and went on to make over 150 appearances for the senior team.
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