Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was once the biggest talent in the academy, and he is now coaching the next generation.
Wilshere burst onto the scene as a wonderkid under Arsene Wenger, and he looked destined for the top. However, injuries derailed his career, and after a loan spell at Bournemouth, Wilshere departed Arsenal in 2018.
The former England International had little luck with his injuries after his departure before he eventually retired from playing in 2022.
Wilshere has since been managing the under-18 side, which has seen him work with talents such as Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman, but he will now depart Arsenal to join Norwich City in the EFL Championship.
Jack Wilshere to leave Arsenal for Norwich City coaching role
It has now been revealed by Norwich outlet Pinkun that Wilshere is closing in on a move to Norwich City to join their senior coaching staff after successful talks this week.
Wilshere has been recruited by former Arsenal loan manager Ben Knapper, who is now Norwich City’s sporting director.
The former midfielder has been managing the under-18s since the summer of 2022, and he helped them reach the FA Youth Cup final in 2023.
Wilshere was a boyhood Arsenal fan and a Hale End Academy graduate himself, and the club are losing a figure who was a big influence on the current crop of young talents.
However, it is reported that Arsenal are ready to sanction his exit, with the club “proud” of the progress Wilshere has shown as a coach.
Jack Wilshere scored his best Arsenal goal against Norwich City
Whenever Wilshere is mentioned in the same sentence as Norwich, fans instantly remember a goal the Englishman scored against the Canaries in 2013.
Wilshere scored one of Arsenal’s greatest-ever team goals as he linked up superbly with Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud, producing a true moment of magic in a memorable 4-1 victory over Norwich at the Emirates.
11 years since his iconic goal, which was certainly the best in his playing days, Wilshere is now joining Norwich as part of Johannes Hoff Thorup’s coaching staff, to take the next step in his career to work in senior football.
Arsenal will now have to find a replacement for Wilshere as the under-18 manager, and he will be missed at the club.
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