Revealed: Why Arsenal legend 'rejected club return' as part of Arteta's staff

Arsenal’s search for a new Under 21 head coach has hit a stumbling block after a leading candidate has reportedly decided not to take up the role.

The vacancy arose following Mehmet Ali’s departure to Brentford earlier this summer. Ali guided the Gunners to an eighth-place finish in Premier League 2 last season.

He joined Brentford to work as a first-team assistant manager under new boss Keith Andrews.

Arsenal's hierarchy had been keen to swiftly replace him, with one of the names on the shortlist being a figure who remains hugely popular among the Emirates faithful.

However, club icon Jack Wilshere has opted against a reunion with his boyhood club, according to BBC Sport.

The 32-year-old reportedly held discussions with Arsenal officials after being approached about the post. However, after careful consideration, he amicably informed the club that he was not interested.

Wilshere’s reasoning was purely career-based; he is determined to take his first steps into senior management and is prioritising opportunities that will place him directly in a first-team coaching environment.

Wilshere, who made more than 150 starts for Arsenal after coming through the academy, left the Emirates Stadium last season to join Norwich City’s coaching staff under then-manager Johannes Thorup.

At Carrow Road, he was initially appointed first-team coach before being promoted to interim head coach following Thorup’s departure in April.

He oversaw the final stretch of the Championship season before leaving when Liam Manning was appointed permanent boss.

Since retiring in 2022, Wilshere has been fast-tracking his coaching career, earning his Pro Licence and quickly gaining experience both at academy level and in senior football.