BUT IT’S YES TO BOURNEMOUTH FROM WILSHERE
NO to Palace, NO to Roma and NO to Milan...
EDDIE HOWE pinched Jack Wilshere from under the nose of Alan Pardew in a dramatic Dragons’ Den-style pitch in London on Tuesday night. Crystal Palace manager Pardew believed he had secured the Arsenal midfielder on a season-long loan following talks with the player but just minutes later Bournemouth manager Howe clinched a deal for Wilshere to crush Pardew’s hopes.
Wilshere was understood to have been impressed by the Palace boss and was ready to sign but when Howe arrived at the same London offices to make his pitch, his hard sell was enough to convince Wilshere, 24, to reject a move to Palace and move to the south coast.
The talented midfielder told Pardew and Howe he would sleep on the decision but by then the Bournemouth manager had captured Wilshere’s imagination.
Bournemouth agreed to pay a £2million loan fee to Arsenal and will also pay his £80,000 wages in full. Sportsmail understands that Bournemouth will also pay Wilshere significant bonuses, which could be worth up to £2million.
It is understood Palace were willing to pay the loan fee but not to all of his wages.
Roma made a strong play for Wilshere over the last 48 hours and Arsenal staff believed a move to the less robust Serie A, given Wilshere’s history of injuries, would suit the midfielder in his bid to return to full fitness. But there were doubts about the amount of playing time he would be afforded, with Radja Nainggolan, Daniele De Rossi, Leandro Paredes and Kevin Strootman all vying for places in central midfield.
AC Milan also showed an interest — although a move to the San Siro was always a non- starter — and Watford were one of 22 clubs keen to take Wilshere on loan, making contact with the player’s representatives yesterday.
Benik Afobe played a significant role in persuading Wilshere to join him at Bournemouth. The pair grew up together in the Gunners’ academy and the striker spoke to Wilshere on Monday night as it became clear Arsenal would listen to offers. He was the first to greet his friend when he arrived at his new home.
Once, Afobe and Wilshere were touted as Arsenal’s future but Howe could be the man to reap the benefits of the duo’s close bond.