Former Arsenal midfielder David Hillier claims that Jack Wilshere is only training with the Gunners’ squad to stay fit and there is no discussion about a potential return.
Following a six-month spell with Championship side Bournemouth, the Hale End graduate is currently a free agent after leaving the Cherries this summer. The 29-year-old only made 14 appearances in the league, scoring a solitary goal.
Speaking to the Highbury Squad podcast, Hillier stated that as per his ‘inside information’ the former West Ham United midfielder is ‘just training’ with Mikel Arteta’s squad to stay fit and find a potential destination.
There is no contact with the club’s hierarchy about signing a new deal and the player is happy to choose a club from Championship as the Englishman is eager to get back to football as soon as possible. He said:
“I have got inside information on this as well. I am a lucky man, so I am actually playing Golf on Friday with a guy who does all his security systems at his house and he is very friendly with him. He was telling me about him. They are good friends, anyway, from back in the day. He said to me that ‘he is just training at the club to try and get another club.
“There’s no offer of pay-as-play. He hasn’t even spoken to anyone at the club. He is happy to take a Championship club and just get back into football. He just wants to play. He wants to get fit. And he certainly doesn’t want to be someone who goes back to the club and just fizzles out at Arsenal.
“I know that, for sure. That was said in the conversation. He doesn’t want to be someone who wants to be a mentor. He still has got playing to do. He wants Arsenal to miss him. Nothing in it.”
Arsenal Fever View:
Watching Wilshere in this state is certainly a heartbreaking scene for Arsenal fans. The 29-year-old started his career with the potential of becoming one of the best midfielders in the country.
However, injuries froze his development completely and in the end, the midfielder had to leave the Emirates Stadium for free. After leaving the north London club, the Englishman joined the Hammers with the ambition of rejuvenating his career but injuries became the stumbling block yet again.
Having spent most of his time on the treatment table, he lost his sharpness and guile. At 29, the midfielder was supposed to be ruling the Gunners midfield but the Hale End graduate is currently struggling to find a club.
Meanwhile, following their disastrous start to the Premier League season, Arteta’s side found their first win against Norwich City last weekend. The north Londoners will be hoping to keep their winning run going when they travel to Burnley on Saturday.
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