Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jack Wilshere is unlikely to play for the club again, despite the offer of a return to training with his former side. The Gunners' former fan-favourite has been without a club since leaving Bournemouth at the end of last season.
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The news will come as a blow for the more sentimental Gunners fans, although asking Wilshere to make the step up back to Premier League football was always going to be a big ask.
Having only made 16 Premier League appearances since 2017, the former England international could be best served to use Arsenal training as a springboard back into top level football.
Arteta will know more than most about the quality he possesses on his day, having shared a dressing room with him in the past, so it could be a 'never say never' situation if Wilshere impresses on his way back to full match fitness.
The Arsenal boss was speaking ahead of their Saturday afternoon trip to Burnley, where they will hope to build on their solitary Premier League win this season which they earned against Norwich last weekend.
Jack Wilshere joined Bournemouth for the second-half of last season (Image: GETTY)
A number of selection headaches could torture the under pressure Gunners boss before they take to the field - none more so than in goal.
Bernd Leno was dropped for Aaron Ramsdale against Norwich, and the £24million man went on to notch his second clean sheet in as many games for Arsenal.
Leno, meanwhile, had shipped nine goals in the first three games of the campaign, leaving the door ajar for his less experienced counterpart.
As to whether Wilshere could play a part in turning Arsenal's season around, his impact at present may well be limited to the training pitch. Still just 29-years-old, however, anything could happen down the line.