Former England midfielder Jack Wilshere will join Norwich City as first-team coach, sources have told ESPN.
The Championship club are in advanced talks with Arsenal in a move that would see him leave his role as coach of the under-18 team and replace Narcis Pelach, who left Norwich to join Stoke City last month.
A source told ESPN that Wilshere is expected to take charge of Arsenal's under-18s against Aston Villa on Saturday before finalizing his departure to Norwich.
Wilshere retired as a player in July 2022, ending a career in which he made 197 appearances for Arsenal, as well as spells at West Ham, Bolton, Bournemouth and Danish side AGF Aarhus, as well as accumulating 34 caps for England.
Wilshere subsequently joined Arsenal's academy and formed a close relationship with Ben Knapper, who was Arsenal's loan manager before moving to Norwich.
At a press conference on Friday, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta refused to confirm Wilshere's departure but said: “He has been great. Everyone knows his career, his character and he is a really special personality. His bond with the football club is unique.
“He has this aura and charisma and a way of connecting with people. He's been an inspiration to kids because of his story, what he did and the way he did it. What happens next is his decision.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal are hopeful Bukayo Saka will be fit to face Bournemouth on Saturday after Arteta confirmed he has not suffered a major hamstring problem despite limping during England's defeat in the Nations League against Greece.
“It's not a serious injury,” he said.
“He is developing very well. He has done some things in the last few days when he returned from the national team after the second match. We are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon and yesterday he did some things, so let's see.” If you can arrive on time.”
Kai Havertz (knee) and Gabriel Martinelli (calf) will also be assessed after Friday's training session, but Thomas Partey is available after missing international duty with Ghana through illness.
Martin Ødegaard's ankle problem will keep him out of the game against Bournemouth, but Arteta added: “Next week will be a different story. In that last stage of rehabilitation, where he is at the moment because he is already doing a lot of things, he needs to clear some markers.
“There are certain things he needs to feel comfortable with, especially the ball. Next week will be crucial to understand how close he is.”
