Jack Wilshere’s loan move to Bournemouth was one of the big stories of transfer deadline day.
The Arsenal and England star will spend the rest of this season with the Cherries as he looks to get regular playing time.
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Arsene Wenger rates Jack as highly as ever and he explained the reasons for the loan move when he faced the media on Friday.
on Jack playing further forward at Bournemouth…
Personally that’s where I prefer him. I think Jack Wilshere is a world-class player. He has a great footballing brain, and understands everything that is going on on the football pitch. He is most dangerous when you give him the ball in the final third. For me, it was always a shame when he played too deep and too close to the goal because I like him where he can create. The thinking behind the [move] was that he would get regular football and come back to what he is - a world-class football player.
on if he felt he couldn’t accommodate Jack further forward…
We had a chat together and he himself was concerned that he would not get enough competition early enough, because he feels ready to play. I couldn’t guarantee that, so that’s why [we took] the decision. I think it looks logical to give him time to really come back to a competitive level. At some stage you need competition and I couldn’t guarantee him that.
on if the challenge for Jack is to play 30 to 35 games…
Exactly. The challenge for Jack is to play the games, yes.
on if Jack’s career is in the balance…
No, not at all, no. He wanted games and I can understand his desire. I felt it was a logical decision. Let’s not forget that last year he didn’t play. He’s in a position where you need games. You can’t not compete for two seasons and then want to be at the top level. It’s important for him that he gets the number of games this season.
on if Jack will be offered a new contract…
I hope personally that he stays here his whole career.
on what will decide the contract…
He’s a world-class player and he doesn’t have to show me that he has the quality to play at Bournemouth, just that he comes back to a regular competitive level.
More polls to come later in the season!
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