Despite sealing a season-long loan move to Bournemouth last month, Jack Wilshere is ‘world class’ and will see out his career at Arsenal, according to Arsene Wenger.
After a frustrating spell on the sidelines through injuries, competition for places and lack of form, the 24-year-old has looked to kick-start his career with a stint with the Cherries.
While some have suggested that it could be the start of the end for Wilshere at Arsenal, Wenger has a completely different mind-set.
“I hope personally that [Wilshere] stays his whole career here,” he told reporters at his press conference on Friday ahead of the clash with Southampton this weekend. “Jack is a world-class player. He doesn’t have to show me he has the quality to play at Bournemouth, he just needs to be back at a competitive level.
“The challenge for Jack is to play the games. He wanted games and I can understand his desire. I felt it was logical – let’s not forget last year he didn’t play. You cannot be out for two seasons and then want to be at the top level. It’s important he gets the number of games this season.”
Time will tell as to whether or not Wilshere is able to make his spell with Eddie Howe’s side a success, and then moving forward if the space in the Arsenal team is there for him to make a midfield spot his own.
Summer signing Granit Xhaka adds competition to the likes of Mohamed Elneny, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey amongst others, and so Wilshere will undoubtedly have a fight on his hands.
However, evidently Wenger will not be casting him aside and will hope that the England international can get a run of games under his belt and come back a stronger player ready to fulfil his potential with the Gunners.