Due to interest from Colorado Rapids, Jack Wilshere, 31, has been referred to by Mikel Arteta as a “big asset” who may one day manage Arsenal.
Last week, ESPN reported that Wilshere had conducted interviews for the MLS position, which has been held on a temporary basis by Chris Little since Robin Fraser was fired in September.
According to sources, ESPN was told that up to five applicants are being considered for the role, including Wilshere, the Under 18 coach at Arsenal. In response to the situation, Arteta offered a statement on Friday.
Arteta said: “First of all I am really happy that Jack is part of the setup. I think he has done really well, he has brought something that was very necessary in the academy and around the place.
“These things are going to happen when people are doing well — you are going to get attraction and then it will come down to him to make what he believes is the best decision for his career.”
Wilshere’s potential as a manager was initially raised by then-Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger in September 2016 when he was just 24 years old, and it was later echoed by Arteta after Wilshere had a promising debut season as a coach by leading Arsenal’s U18 team to the FA Youth Cup Final.
Arteta responded when asked if Wilshere might manage Arsenal “far down the road”: “far down the line, you don’t know when that is. It might happen shortly. He has the capacity to pull it off.
William Saliba is suffering a toe issue as Arsenal travels to Chelsea on Saturday, hoping to welcome back Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard from hamstring problems.