Arteta plays down talk that Wilshere could play for Arsenal
Martin Macdonald
- 17 Dec 2021 15:58 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down speculation that Jack Wilshere could actually make a playing return for the Gunners in the near future.
Wilshere is currently without a club after being released from Bournemouth, though he has been welcomed back to Arsenal to train with the North London side to keep his fitness levels up.
He was with Arsenal for a decade between 2008 and 2018 and remains their youngest Premier League debutant in the history of the competitions.
Persistent ankle issues hampered the latter part of his career at the Emirates, and have unfortunately followed him in the years since his departure.
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Wilshere has played for Bournemouth and West Ham since leaving Arsenal, but failed to shake off injuries consistently enough to earn a long-term contract.
When asked on Friday if the player has what it takes to still play in the Premier League, Arteta responded:
“Yes, 100 per cent! I have seen that, I can tell that he has [the ability to do so].”
However, when subsequently asked if Wilshere might play for Arsenal, Arteta said:
“That’s a different story!”
Arteta praises Wilshere
The stories surrounding Wilshere potentially making a comeback at Arsenal have been generated in part by Arteta's positive words about the player's attitude in training.
“First of all it’s great to have him around, he is this type of character who adds special feeling to the club,” Arteta said.
“He comes in every day with a smile on his face, trying to do his best. His talent is unquestionable.
“When you see him in training, I think you have had some players say he is the best in training. So he has that.
"Now he is doing his coaching badges and it is completely up to him what the next step in his career will be and we are here to support that.”
Read more about: Premier League, Arsenal
