Jack Wilshere snubs Arsenal return after being approached by Gunners over new role
Jack Wilshere has REJECTED the chance to make a second emotional return to Arsenal as he plots his first steps into management. The former midfielder has embarked on a coaching career since officially retiring from football in 2022.
After hanging up his boots following a spell with Danish side AGF, Wilshere returned to North London as the head coach of Arsenal's under-18 side. He held that role for over two years before being appointed as a first team coach at Championship side Norwich City.
Since then, the now 33-year-old has taken the reins at Carrow Road on an interim basis following the sacking of Johannes Hoff Thorup - a spell that lasted a couple of games. And it now appears that Wilshere is keen to find another role in the dugout.
According to BBC Sport, he was approached by former club Arsenal regarding their vacant under-21s head coach role, where he would lead the side and also oversee the club's wider development strategy. The Gunners are currently on the lookout for a replacement for Mehmet Ali.
But Wilshere has since informed Arsenal that he no longer wants to be considered due to his desire to find a position within first-team coaching. Speaking in an interview with The Athletic earlier this year, he said: 'My ambition is to be a head coach.
'I didn't want to take a step until I was ready to impact at this level and it's taken two-and-a-half years. I can still improve and I'm still hungry to get better. But I feel like I'm ready.'
Wilshere was reportedly interviewed by Plymouth Argyle this summer, only for the League One side to appoint Tom Cleverley instead. Wilshere is a product of the Arsenal academy and he went on to make just under 200 appearances for the Gunners.
But injuries hampered his career at the Emirates and he went on to leave the club for West Ham United and then Bournemouth. And in 2022, he returned to North London in a coaching capacity and was key in the development of talents such as Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Speaking about his exit from Arsenal, he said: 'I had a decision to make whether I was going to hold on at Arsenal to try to get something as a head coach or whether to get into a first-team environment and watch someone else do it. I'm glad that I've done that. I'm in a good environment where I've got a head coach who sees the game similarly.
'I'm enjoying watching how he delivers to the players, how he sets up the team, how he sets up a week. These things that you're involved in as a player; it's completely different when you're on the other side and you're the guy who's leading it. My ambition is to be a head coach. I don't know when, but hopefully one day.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
8 minutes ago
- Metro
'I played with Viktor Gyokeres - he's not worth £64m and will flop at Arsenal'
A former teammate of Viktor Gyokeres believes he will struggle at Arsenal and says he 'never had him down to be a £64m striker'. Mikel Arteta was desperate to sign a new striker this summer and has put his faith in former Sporting hitman Gyokeres. Gyokeres enjoyed two sensational seasons in Portugal, scoring 97 goals in 102 games and winning back-to-back league titles. Before his productive spell at Sporting, Gyokeres played for three EFL clubs – Coventry City, Swansea City and Brighton. Brighton signed the forward from Swedish minnows Brommapojkarna in 2018 but Gyokeres only made three first-team appearances for the Seagulls before being sold three years later. Metro's new weekly football newsletter: In The Mixer. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every Friday – sign up, it's an open goal. It was at Coventry that things started to click for Gyokeres, who scored 38 goals in 91 matches in the Championship to earn a £20m move to Sporting. During his three-year spell at Brighton, Gyokeres was sent out on three separate loan deals as he failed to convince the club – and clearly his teammates – of his potential. Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray was at Brighton the same time as Gyokeres and says he 'never had him down to be a £64m striker'. Murray fears Gyokeres is 'not the one' and will struggle to make the grade at Arsenal, who have aspirations of winning the Premier League this season. The former Crystal Palace and Bournemouth star says that while he instantly recognised Arsenal defender Ben White as a superior player at Brighton, he was unimpressed by Gyokeres. 'I don't think Viktor Gyokeres is the one – it's such a big step,' Murray, 41, told BBC Sport. 'I was with him at Brighton and I never had him down to be a £64m striker. 'When Ben White stepped into our first team, right away everyone knew how he good he was – he was of that standard. 'When Viktor came in, it was more a case where you thought he was all right. I am not sure he suits Arsenal's style, either.' Arteta has been in desperate need of a new striker for well over a year and considered new Manchester United signing Benjamin Sesko before Arsenal focused on Gyokeres. The 27-year-old scored his first Arsenal goal in the pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao last week and is set to make his Premier League debut at Old Trafford on Sunday. Viktor Gyokeres has widely been described as the final piece of the jigsaw for an Arsenal side that have come agonisingly close to winning the Premier League. But the same was said about Romelu Lukaku upon his return to Chelsea in 2021 and we know how that worked out. Gyokeres' stats for Sporting were incredible but Darwin Nunez enjoyed similar success in Portugal before underwhelming in the Premier League. It's taken a fair while for Gyokeres, 27, to earn a move to one of Europe's top five leagues. This time two years ago, in fact, he had just spent his fourth successive season in the Championship, scoring a respectable but far from remarkable 21 goals in 46 games. He's an upgrade on Kai Havertz but don't expect mind-blowing returns from a player who has been branded a 'gamble' by the likes of Paul Scholes and Gary Lineker. 'I don't think he's the guy,' Rio Ferdinand even said shortly after his £64m move to north London was announced. Mikel Arteta doesn't get too many signings wrong but it was him, remember, who pushed to sign Raheem Sterling last summer. Arsenal were torn between signing Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko earlier in the summer. Time will tell if they made the right decision. Louis Sealey, Metro Deputy Sports Editor Assessing Gyokeres' performance against Bilbao, Arteta said: 'He pins both centre backs. He is a player that the moment you leave him with space one-on-one, he is going to destroy you. 'He's going to create a lot of space for us as well. In any moment or situation, he is a player that can score a goal. 'That first goal is always very important and the way he took it as well, was really, really good.' But Murray is not the only pundit to have concerns about Gyokeres, with ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas suggesting it could take him a while to 'adapt' to the Premier League. More Trending 'Will Viktor Gyokeres be able to adapt straight away? Personally, I don't think so,' Gallas said. 'It doesn't mean it's not a good player, but when players come from abroad we usually see that it takes time. 'Strikers often take time, playing in Portugal is also completely different to playing in England, but Arsenal do need him to adapt straight away because their target is to win the Premier League. 'If I could've chosen between Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, I think Isak would've been a better option. We know he is proven in the Premier League and that he is 100% at the level.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Manchester United set price to sign Sporting star as Ruben Amorim sanctions bid MORE: Liverpool boss Arne Slot makes Chelsea prediction after £250m spending spree MORE: Jamie Carragher says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta 'stole' £60m star from Liverpool
The Sun
18 minutes ago
- The Sun
Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Gunners dealt fresh Eze BLOW, Lookman ‘REJECTS move', Premier League ‘rivals eye Rodrygo'
THE summer transfer window is heading towards a thrilling climax - and Arsenal's business is far from finished! Eberechi Eze is a target for the Gunners, but they are not willing to pay the figure that Crystal Palace are after this summer. North London rivals Tottenham are said to be ready to step up their attempts to land the England international. Elsewhere, Ademola Lookman isn't interested in a move to the Emirates and only wants Inter Milan, according to reports. In other news, Arsenal's Premier League rivals Manchester City are considering a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, according to reports. 11th Aug 2025, 22:00 By Anthony Chapman Hein set for exit Karl Hein is set to leave Arsenal before deadline day. Levante and Rangers are lining up deals for the goalie. Hein dropped down the pecking order following Kepa Arrizabalaga's arrival. And with his contract up next summer, Hein could go for a bargain fee. 11th Aug 2025, 21:00 By Anthony Chapman Door opens for Eze Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish admits Eberechi Eze could be sold. The midfielder is wanted in a £55million deal by Arsenal. Parish said: "Yeah, of course, but players come and go in football clubs. I mean it's a life cycle isn't it? "Hopefully they'll still be here, that's what I'd like." 11th Aug 2025, 19:15 By Anthony Chapman Clubs chase Nelson Reiss Nelson is a target for Fulham this summer. But the Arsenal winger is also being chased by several other sides this summer. Nelson spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage and is open to a return. However, Fulham are dallying over a new deal and that could open the door for a rival to swoop. 11th Aug 2025, 18:30 By Anthony Chapman Eze does it Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a £55million deal for Eberechi Eze. The Crystal Palace star remains one of Mikel Arteta's top targets this summer. And reports claim Arsenal are nearing an agreement for the versatile midfielder to take their summer spending past the £200m mark. The Gunners have already landed Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer. 11th Aug 2025, 17:50 By Anthony Chapman City want Rodrygo Man City are reportedly lining up a deal for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo. The Brazilian has already been linked with Arsenal this summer. But Fabrizio Romano claims City are now set to move after loaning Jack Grealish to Everton. Savinho could also depart for Tottenham, yet Real Madrid will demand £100million from any suitors. 11th Aug 2025, 17:05 By Alex Smith Injury update Mikel Arteta has revealed that he does expect Leandro Trossard to miss Sunday's Premier League opener against Man Utd. The Belgian forward did not feature in the friendly win over Athletic Bilbao. But he should be back soon after Arteta said: "I think he's going to be [OK] in a few days, yeah, a little niggle in the groin, but he should be fine." 11th Aug 2025, 16:35 By Alex Smith Predictions Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards all reckon Arsenal will fall short of winning the league once again. Shearer said on the Rest is Football podcast: "I think they'll challenge. I just think they may fall short again. 'I like all of their signings. I think that's exactly what they needed, and I still don't think they may be finished yet in terms of bringing players in and certainly players going out. 'I've definitely got them in the Champions League, but I just don't see them having enough to win the title – just fall short.' Richards added: "Bringing in Gyokeres now for Arsenal is massive, and not just because he's a big name forward, [but] because of his movement that we talk about with strikers all the time. 'So Havertz is really good, we're all big fans of Havertz, but in a number 10 position where he can create, not leading the line. 'I know he's done really good movement when he plays up there, but he hasn't got a striker's instinct. That's why I think Gyokeres is gonna add something really special. 'I still don't know if it's enough to get them over the line, I still don't know. I think one or two injuries and they're back to the same as last season, so I'm gonna say challenging, but not champions.' Lineker said: "I think I concur with both of you on that front. I probably wouldn't have said that but Liverpool have strengthened so well." 11th Aug 2025, 16:00 By Alex Smith Gift of the Gab Arsenal fans say Gabriel Magalhaes is winning "off and on the pitch" after his wife Gabrielle Figueiredo showed her support on social media. She posted a video of herself getting ready to head to the Emirates for the pre-season game versus Athletic Bilbao. And Gabrielle, alongside their daughter Maya, showed off the new Arsenal third shirt with "my hubby" No.6 printed on the back. 11th Aug 2025, 12:05 By Alex Smith 'Destroy you' Mikel Arteta fired a warning to the rest of the Premier League that Viktor Gyokeres will "destroy you". The Arsenal boss said after the £63.5m signing got his first Arsenal goal in a friendly win over Athletic Bilbao: "That first goal is always very important. The way he took it as well, really well. "Everything that he does, his movement, timing, the way he predicates the next move, where the space is going to be, that's the instinct he has. That's why he's scored so many goals in the last few seasons. "He pins both centre-backs. He's a player that if you leave him with space one against one, he's gonna destroy you so he's going to create a lot of space for us. "In any situation there is a player there that can score a goal." 11th Aug 2025, 11:30 By Alex Smith Interest in Hein Arsenal are looking to get rid of goalkeeper Karl Hein before the transfer window slams shut on September 1. Spanish side Levante and Scottish giants Rangers want the 23-year-old, who spent last term on loan at Real Valladolid in LaLiga. Arsenal want to sell Hein permanently as his contract ends next summer. 11th Aug 2025, 11:00 By Alex Smith Palace owner on Eze Crystal Palace chief Steve Parish was asked how important keeping Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze at Selhurst Park is. He replied: "Yeah, of course, but players come and go in football clubs. I mean it's a life cycle isn't it? "Hopefully they'll still be here, that's what I'd like." 11th Aug 2025, 10:30 By Alex Smith Domino effect Things are falling into place for Arsenal as they remain keen on Eberechi Eze. They need to get Fabio Vieira off the books and are hopeful Stuttgart come in with a bid worth £17m. The Bundesliga club were only coming in for the Portuguese midfielder should Enzo Millot depart and he has now confirmed his switch to Saudi outfit Al-Ahli over the weekend. This could eventually lead to the Gunners making a late push for Eze to replace Vieira. 11th Aug 2025, 09:55 By Alex Smith More arrivals? Mikel Arteta suggested Arsenal's transfer business is far from done after the friendly victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The boss said: "Let's see what happens, in terms of where the squad is in the next few weeks. 'But, we are actively looking at options. "As well, there are a few players, maybe, that they have to leave as well. So, we will be open to see what happens." 11th Aug 2025, 09:22 By Alex Smith Gunners eye Lookman Arsenal appear to have Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze as their No1 target and reportedly have agreed personal terms with the attacking midfielder. But the Gunners remain keen on Atalanta star Ademola Lookman. The Italian side do not want to sell to Inter Milan, who have had a £39m offer rejected. Arsenal could swoop in and bid closer to £44m to get the deal done, according to reports. Lookman has had a public spat with Atalanta and has gone AWOL as he looks to leave this summer. He claims a gentleman's agreement was in place for him to go, while a club chief claims there is but not to another Serie A side. 11th Aug 2025, 08:00 By Laurence Ryan Gunners closing in on star The Gunners are now closing in on the signing of Eze, having struck an agreement on personal terms. A package amounting to £55m deemed to be acceptable by the Eagles. The North London outfit are set to fork out a £30m initial payment, with talks about the structure of the remaining installments still ongoing, while they also remain in direct contact with the player himself. By Kieran Davies Forward would bolster attack Although he is fancied to join Inter Milan, Ademola Lookman certainly would bring something to North London. Since his time in Atalanta, Lookman has added goals to his game. After an impressive season last campaign, it is hard to ignore his stats and what he could bring to this squad. The Gunners would need to act fast to beat Serie A teams to hhis signature. Credit: @FootballFancast 11th Aug 2025, 05:00 By Kieran Davies Fans second guessing manager Arsenal supporters up and down the country will be trying to work out what their starting XI will be at Old Trafford. Many of the positions pick themselves given their transfer dealings. However, the centre of midfield will be interesting with Rice and Odegaard perceived to be guaranteed starters. Who gets the nod to play alongside them will be the intriguing reveal when they face Man Utd.
Daily Mail
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Thierry Henry gives his honest verdict on Viktor Gyokeres after his £64m move to Arsenal after a mixed pre-season
Thierry Henry has given his honest view on Viktor Gyokeres after Arsenal spent £64million to make him their leading striker. Gyokeres arrives with a sizzling reputation after scoring 97 goals and providing 28 assists in two seasons with Sporting Lisbon - but the Premier League is a different beast. The Swedish marksman made a faint impression when he was at Brighton - only earning eight outings in four seasons and being constantly farmed out on loan - but is remembered by Coventry City fans for his prolific net-busting in the Championship. Now he is back on English turf, and as is custom for anyone who signs for one of his alma mater, Henry has been asked to weigh in. It also sends a strong message that Gyokeres has taken Henry's old number: 14. The Frenchman is arguably the most legendary striker in Arsenal's history and his words have the power to influence fan sentiment. He said: 'He already was in England, let's not forget that. He was at Coventry, he couldn't do it at Brighton. 'So, you can see a guy who already knows what struggling is and comes back from that. 'He's more confident, and you can see from his body the way he's looked after himself, the way he's changed. 'You have a guy that's a killer in the box – numbers don't lie – and you have a team that creates a lot of chances, so it should be the perfect match. 'It's always unfair when I talk about a striker, it brings an unnecessary pressure because it goes above and beyond. 'What you want is people to be patient with him, and what is annoying right now is that people are not that patient anymore. 'They want the guy to perform straight away, score goals straight away and make us win straight away, which doesn't happen often. Sometimes it doesn't click straight away. 'I love when people show me what they can do, and then I can talk. Right now, people love to talk before the performance. 'I'm an Arsenal fan, I obviously hope he's going to do well, bang goals for us, and guide us to a title, but he's not going to do that alone. 'We have seen that goals don't always assure you a title. We've seen guys with mad numbers, but they didn't win anything. The team around them has to be good. 'From what I've seen from him and how he finishes, hopefully it's going to be a great match and we can finally go back to lift that trophy. But, a lot of teams want to lift that.' Gyokeres has hit the ground running with the Gunners, scoring on his second friendly outing in a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup final. He is the first top out-and-out striker they have had since the 2021-22 season, when they were serviced up front by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
