Eddie Howe admitted that Bournemouth would ‘love’ to sign Jack Wilshere for next season but knows the decision is not his to make.
- Wilshere started on the bench again this weekend for the 4th game in a row
- He has been benched since picking up an ankle injury against Manchester City
- Bournemouth have been working with Arsenal to manage his fitness issues
“We love Jack, we would love to sign him,” Howe said.
“But that decision will rest with Arsenal, with Jack, with other people: it’s out of our hands. And Jack may well see his future elsewhere.
“He did say as soon as he came to us that he’d totally commit to us for the season, and then in the summer sort out of his future.”
Jack came on with 20 minutes of Bournemouth’s game against Southampton remaining and totally transformed it. From being dominated completely, Jack threaded through a lovely pass that led to Ryan Fraser being fouled in the box. Harry Arter, however, sent the penalty over the bar.
“He really was the defining factor in us gaining total control of that game, we really should have gone on to win, because of his performance,” Howe added.
“What he has done when he’s come on is showed he’s got a great attitude behind the scenes, he’s trained so well, and that’s reflected when he’s come on the pitch, he’s been outstanding for us.”
Jack Wilshere, like many Arsenal players, has a decision to make about his future.
Out of contract next summer, Wilshere will be looking for reassurances that he will be a regular starter at the club. Arsenal, for their part, will need to be convinced that Jack’s ankles can be relied on to play in their midfield regularly.