Wenger loaned Jack Wilshere to Howe’s Bournemouth but insists he expects the England midfielder to be a Gunner again next season.
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After joining the Arsenal academy as a nine-year-old in 2001, midfielder Jack Wilshere has grown from strength to strength at the Emirates.
He added: “If he plays, he will play really well because he can not play badly”.
“It’s the first time for a long time that I’ve had a team of what you can call men ready to compete”.
In all fairness, Dorset is actually a lovely part of the country and being in the south, Wilshere isn’t so far away from home in a move that will ultimately give football fans more answers about his long-term future and whether that belongs at Arsenal. “Because what you want above all is that a guy of his talent plays the football he can play”.
“The level of training has gone up because he is here but ultimately our players are going to enjoy playing with him”.
And when asked if Wilshere could still become the Gunners captain one day, Wenger replied: “certainly”. I want him to extend [his contract], yes.
“I couldn’t guarantee that, so that’s why [we took] the decision”.
“But let’s not forget that Ozil can play wide as well”. Let’s not forget that he missed previous year. you can’t afford to be out two seasons without playing at the top level. “It’s important he gets the number of games this season”.
“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”.
“He has a real football brain and understands football. He is most risky when you give him the ball in the final third”, Wenger said.
Wenger also revealed that the decision for Wilshere to go out on loan was one he took after consultations with the player.
“My biggest goal is to get as many games as possible, if there is a question mark about me I know that it’s my fitness, so I hope to get as many minutes in, prove everyone wrong and re-kick my career”. He has a real football brain and understands football.
“I see him in the future at this club, of course”, he said.
“He will spend his life in football, he’s a football man”.
“He has an eye on everybody, it’s in him”.
“I think (talks will start) around December”.
“He’s been really good in the dressing room and I’m really enthused to see him in a Bournemouth shirt”, Howe added.
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“He is doing a wonderful job at Bournemouth and he could be a manager in the future for Arsenal, but I think it is a little bit too soon for him at the moment”.
