Jack Wilshere set for Arsenal exit as former star 'in talks' over Championship job
Norwich City are hopeful of adding Arsenal under-18s boss Jack Wilshere to their coaching staff under Johannes Hoff Thorup, in the latest bid to prise the former Gunners midfielder away
by Scott Trotter · The MirrorJack Wilshere is in 'advanced talks' over joining Norwich City's coaching staff from Arsenal.
The former midfielder, 32, is currently in charge of the north London side's under-18 team, who he took over in 2022, soon after retiring from his own playing career. The Gunners' academy product endured a career plagued by injury and spent 10 years with Arsenal before spells with West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish side, AGF.
Wilshere reached the FA Youth Cup final in his first season in charge of the under-18s and has already fielded interest from Major League Soccer in acquiring his services. Colorado Rapids hoped the ex-England international would become their head coach in October 2023 but he ultimately decided to remain with Arsenal.
The Athletic report that Norwich are increasingly confident of landing Wilshere to join Johannes Hoff Thorup’s backroom staff, though he may not arrive in time to face Stoke this weekend. The former midfielder is set to effectively replace Narcis Pelach at Norwich, who departed in September take over at the Potters after Steven Schumacher was sacked.
Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper is thought to have been instrumental in getting the prospective move in motion. Knapper enjoyed a good relationship with Wilshere at Arsenal having previously worked as the club's loan manager.
Wilshere has previously been tipped to be a future Arsenal manager. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta even claimed his former team-mate had the potential to take on the role when asked 12 months ago, amid speculation Wilshere was heading to the MLS. The Spaniard noted that Wilshere was an asset to the club in his current role.
“Way down the line you don’t know when that is. It can be very soon," said Arteta
“He has got the potential to do it. Now it is clear in his mind what he wants to do and the reasons why he wants to do it. I think it is a big asset for the club to have him here.
“First of all I am really happy that Jack is part of the setup. I think he has done really well, he has brought something that was very necessary in the academy and around the place.
“These things are going to happen when people are doing well - you are going to get attraction and then it will come down to him to make what he believes is the best decision for his career.”
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