Mikel Arteta believes Jack Wilshere is doing a great job with the Arsenal academy, amid links with the head coach job at the Colorado Rapids.

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere currently works as the head coach for the club’s u18 side, but he’s been linked with a move to the MLS with the Colorado Rapids in recent weeks.

Responding to those rumours, Mikel Arteta began by praising his former teammate’s work at Arsenal.

“I’m really happy that Jack is part of the setup,” Arteta said. “I think he’s done really well, I think he was really needed around the academy and the place.

“These things (interest from other clubs) are going to happen when people are doing well, he’s going to get attraction, and then it’s going to come down to him to make the best decision for his career.”

David Ornstein had reported earlier this month that the Colorado Rapids were considering Wilshere as their new head coach, and Arsenal had given the club permission to speak with their current u18 boss.

Ornstein wrote that Wilshere impressed in his interview, and he’s keen on a senior role when the chance arises, but the Rapids were yet to make a final decision on the appointment.

Reports from the USA suggested Wilshere was one of five remaining contenders for the job.

The Rapids parted ways with previous head coach Robin Fraser last month, and it seems they’re now in the final stages of the process of finding a replacement.

Arsenal and the Colorado Rapids are both owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, so it’s perhaps no surprise to see the MLS club looking to make use of that connection.