Formerly Rangers-linked midfielder Jack Wilshere is training with Arsenal after the two parties struck a special deal.
Wilshere was first linked with a move to Rangers in October 2020 following his exit from West Ham [talkSPORT] and rumours persisted for some time as he continued his search for a new challenge.
The former England international eventually signed a short-term deal with Bournemouth in January but didn’t quite do enough to be kept on board for the 2021/22 campaign.
He’s been a free agent since then and has spoken about the difficulties of being short of offers after a stint training with Serie B side Como came to an end.
Wilshere remains without a playing contract but he has sealed a return to his former club Arsenal in a special agreement that’s set to run until the end of January.
Sky Sports reports via PA that the 29-year-old will mainly be training with the U23 team but will spend some time with the first team studying coaching methods.
“We had a conversation with Jack and understand the needs that he has, the period that he is going through and I think everyone at the club agreed it was the right moment to help him,” said Gunners boss and former Rangers star Mikel Arteta [Arsenal.com].
“We sat down with him and we listened to what he wanted to do and what stage he is and we are prepared to do anything we can to help him.
“(We will) try to get him fit, try to get his experiences across to our players, our young players, our academy and I think it is a great influence to have around.”
Formerly Rangers-linked Wilshere training with Arsenal
This is an interesting development for Wilshere, who has had a tough time since opting to leave West Ham.
Some Rangers fans were initially excited by the links to a midfielder who was once one of the standout players in England.
However, his injury record and potential wage demands both likely counted against him.
While he’s set to do his coaching badges and has previously talked about considering retirement, it’s possible that he will eventually win a playing contract elsewhere if word gets out that he looks fit and hungry during his time at Arsenal.
In other news, Rangers Women hammered a Glasgow club on Wednesday to continue their stunning start to the season.