It’s a day that usually consists of disappointment for Arsenal fans, but if deadline day is anything to go by for Jack Wilshere, it’s been full of complication.
Fresh from the double signing announcement of Mustafi and Lucas yesterday, the Gunners are now concentrating on their outgoings, having already lost Serge Gnabry to Werder Bremen.
Whilst that was an easy deal to conclude, the departure of Wilshere has been anything but simple, with his destination changing with every hour that’s gone by on deadline day.
Earlier this morning we told you that Wilshere was set to join Crystal Palace on a season-long loan, which made sense to everyone considering the location being close to his family.
The 24-year-old had offers streaming in from a range of Premier League and Serie A clubs but having two children to look after was a major factor to consider off the pitch.
Having slept on the offers last night, the England international then woke up to the thought of his chances to play European football, something Bournemouth & Palace couldn’t offer.
His head quickly turned to Serie A and after Juventus pulled out of the deal altogether, his GPS was programmed in to Roma, who have also loaned out Arsenal’s Wojciech Szczesny.
Also on the Italian clubs books is former captain Thomas Vermaelen, making it a great place to ease in to whilst having the chance to play Europa League football.
Personal terms were agreed with the Italians, and just like that we started getting the tweets ready to roll out, but as ever Arsene Wenger seemed to have his say on the deal.
According to BBC Sport’s David Ornstein, the Gunners refused to do business with Roma due to the way they handled themselves after Arsenal attempted to sign Kostas Manolas.
The deal wasn’t something Wenger wanted and it was back to the drawing board for Wilshere, who as you might expect would now turn his attention to Palace.
Well, not exactly. Bournemouth weighed in and told Arsenal they’re happy to pay Wilshere’s full wages, something that Alan Pardew wasn’t so keen on.
For that reason, and the lure of an assured place in the starting line-up, Eddie Howe had enough to promise and now Wilshere will complete a season-long loan with The Cherries.
To put the cherry on top (pardon the pun) Wilshere’s best friend and former Gunner Benik Afobe is also at the club so he’ll have someone on hand to welcome him with open arms.
This is more than just a loan move, this is now a chance for Wilshere to adapt his leadership qualities amongst a squad that lack international experience.
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