Arteta provides update on Jack Wilshere talks with MLS team over coaching role
Mikel Arteta has given an update on Jack Wilshere's future at Arsenal amid speculation that the club legend could be poached by an MLS club.
The former England starlet has made a promising start to his coaching career in the Gunners' academy set-up after hanging up his boots aged 30 in 2022. After leading the club's U18s to last season's prestigious FA Youth Cup final, it appears that his touchline exploits have not gone unnoticed stateside.
In fact, the retired 34-time international is reported to have been formally approached by the Colorado Rapids of the MLS in relation to their head coach vacancy, according to the Athletic. The US outfit, owned by the same Kroenke Sports & Entertainment group that own Arsenal, are thought to have interviewed Wilshere.
However, Gunners boss Arteta has now publicly stated his admiration for the budding coach in a bid to convince him to remain part of his staff. Directly addressing the ex-midfielder's situation, the Spaniard expressed his gratitude towards Wilshere for his contributions in the role thus far.
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He said: "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.
For Arteta, it appears that the approach for the former Emirates Stadium favourite has come as seldom surprise, given his success in the U18s role so far. The manager, who played alongside Wilshere under Arsene Wenger between between 2011 and 2016, has now left the decision up to his old teammate.
He said: "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."
The Colorado Rapids are said to be interested in hiring Jack Wilshere. (Getty Images)That said, it appears that Arteta would be loathe to lose such a prized member of his backroom staff and it is clear that he is backing the ex-Arsenal hero for a bright future in management. He added: "Way down the line you don’t know when that is.
"It can be very soon. 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."
There is no doubting the ambition of Wilshere, however, with his determination to succeed as a coach seemingly borne out of his frustrations at his playing career. Despite showing major promise as a youngster, injuries curtailed his progress - leading to his early retirement from playing.
Opening up on how he now has his mind set on a long coaching career, he told he Evening Standard : "I didn't ever reach my full potential as a player - and everyone knows that. I don't think I will ever accept it until I've reached that as a coach. It's a difficult thing to accept and that's why I still have a big, burning desire in me to be successful in the game."
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