Ex-Tottenham technical director in London for Jack Wilshere talks - report

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Published on:

30 Aug 2016, 11:44 am

By Tom Blackburn

Roma transfer guru Franco Baldini was in London over the weekend to discuss a potential move for Jack Wilshere, according to a report.

The Guardian claim the Serie A big hitters are one of several clubs interested in signing Wilshere, who has been made available for loan by Arsenal.

It is unknown whether Roma could afford the £90,000-a-week wage of Wilshere, but it is said Arsenal told former Tottenham technical director Baldini in discussions that they could make a contribution to pay his wage.

Roma have already signed Wojciech Szczesny for a second successive season on loan.

The Mirror claimed on Tuesday that Crystal Palace have shown interest in the 24-year-old following the news that Arsenal are prepared to sanction a switch.

The report also claimed Valencia have offered season-long loan deals for Wilshere as Arsene Wenger attempts to send the Englishman away from the Emirates in search of regular football.

West Ham were thought to be interested but Sky Sports transfer expert Kaveh Solhekol revealed via his personal Twitter account that Hammers boss Slaven Bilic will not make a move for the 24-year-old star and don't need to strengthen their midfield.

West Ham not trying to sign Jack Wilshere on loan from Arsenal. Midfield not a position they are looking at strengthening
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 30, 2016

Arsenal's number 10 has been told he could leave the Emirates to gain playing time after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates.

Sky Sports had claimed on their transfer centre blog on Monday night (10.27pm) that manager Arsene Wenger will sanction the temporary exit of the club talisman.

The 24-year-old has an extensive injury record dating back to 2009 when he suffered the first of many serious ankle injuries.

Despite having a minor knee injury in pre-season, Wilshere has recovered to be on the substitute’s bench for each of Arsenal’s three Premier League matches this season.

He has played 37 minutes, including the last 20 of Saturday’s 3-1 win at Watford, but has slipped behind Granit Xhaka, Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny and Aaron Ramsey in the pecking order for central midfield places at Emirates Stadium.

The former Bolton loanee has been sidelined throughout his career for 890 days, missing out on 154 matches for the Gunners.

In other Arsenal transfer news, their midfielder makes a transfer u-turn following advice from Per Mertesacker.

Arsenal

AS Roma

Jack Wilshere