Wilshere loan report: Roma, Bournemouth join the fray

Jack Wilshere could be leaving London after all. Crystal Palace were seemingly on the verge of securing his arrival last night, but today, approaches from Bournemouth and Roma have seen the Eagles fall behind. While no decision has yet been made, Wilshere seemingly favours a move to Italy, with David Ornstein reporting that Roma and Wilshere have agreed terms:

However, don’t discount Bournemouth’s approach just yet. The Daily Mail report that Wilshere has met with Cherries’ boss Eddie Howe, with the presence of former Arsenal striker Benik Afobe, Wilshere’s best friend and the godfather to one of his children, an appealing draw.

An intriguing footnote is that Howe has been mentioned in certain corners as a possible successor to Arsène Wenger. While he may be too inexperienced at the top level to go straight into the club next season, it is something to keep an eye on, and Wilshere would benefit more from Eddie Howe’s tutorship than Alan Pardew’s.

However, moving to Roma would also make sense, both personally and professionally, with Wojciech Szczesny a good friend of Wilshere’s, and Serie A well-suited to Wilshere’s style of play, and less physical than the Premier League. Furthermore, Roma offer Europa League football.