Jack Wilshere has revealed he spoke with Derby County and Como over the summer, but eventually decided against the moves.
Arsenal recently confirmed that Wilshere was back at London Colney, with the club helping the player to prepare and train for his next step while he does his coaching badges.
Wilshere later clarified that he has an agreement with the club until January, and he’s been attending some of the academy games so he’s prepared to help coach them as well.
But before all that, over the summer, the midfielder was hoping to keep his playing career going by signing up with a new club as a free agent. Speaking this week, he admitted he’d had conversations with Derby County and Como 1907.
“I did speak to Wazza (Derby boss Wayne Rooney) actually, in the summer,” Wilshere said. “It was when Derby were under that embargo where they couldn’t buy anyone.
“And I went to Como as well, instead. And I thought about it, but it weren’t for me.”
As for a potential move to Derby in the winter window, Wilshere suggests he’s keeping his options open.
“I don’t know, it depends what comes up in January. I played in the Championship last year and I did actually enjoy it. It’s a tough league. I don’t think it suited my style of play.”
Wilshere was recently part of the coaching team for an Arsenal u17 match against Watford, as he continues his work with the club.
The Hale End graduate was spotted in the crowd at a couple of youth games before that, travelling to Bournemouth and Newport for u23 and u21 fixtures. We should see more of him around the academy teams before that January window opens.