Arsenal’s creative midfielder Jack Wilshere will not return to AFC Bournemouth next season, Eddie Howe has confirmed.

The 25-year-old limped off during their 4-0 away defeat against Tottenham last month after sustaining a fractured leg when challenging for the ball.

The main reason behind Wilshere’s move to the south Coast was to rebuild his fitness levels having endured frustrating injuries at the Emirates which halted his progress and drew criticism about his long-term suitability for the club.

Wilshere was keen for a loan switch after it became apparent that Wenger couldn’t guarantee him regular first-team minutes and he had done well under Eddie Howe’s guidance.

High expectations for a player of his quality means that he departs Bournemouth without scoring a competitive goal for them. His performances usually went under-the-radar and a role as creator-in-chief helped create plenty of goalscoring chances.

As quoted by the Evening Standard, Howe said, “Jack did part of his rehab here, he has now gone back to Arsenal, but it was great to see him for the week he was with us.

“It was really nice to be able to speak to him and also for him to see all the players again because after the Tottenham game he suffered the injury and the players had not seen him [since].

“It was really nice to be able to be able to spend time with him, to talk to him and wish him well for the future.”

Up until a few weeks ago, it seemed entirely possible that Bournemouth would make an ambitious transfer offer for the Englishman this summer.

However, their stance has now changed. When questioned about whether he could return next season Howe said, “No, I think that is going to be very difficult for us.

“When we signed him on loan, and I have said this many times, the plan was for him to stay for a season and then to go back to Arsenal to evaluate his future.”

With a year remaining on his current deal, it’ll be interesting to see whether he agrees terms or opts to think about his long-term future away from Arsenal.