Jack Wilshere joins AS Roma on loan

WILSHERE

AS Roma have ‘agreed terms’ with Jack Wilshere’s camp over a move to Serie A, according to reports.

The Arsenal midfielder, 24, told pals he is leaning towards a loan move to Bournemouth rather than Crystal Palace.

But Roma have now come to an agreement with Wilshere’s representatives and are awaiting approval from the Gunners, according to BBC Sport.

Wilshere met Cherries boss Eddie Howe yesterday and is impressed with his vision and the way he likes to play.

The England ace’s good pal and former Arsenal team-mate Benik Afobe is also at the club.

Crystal Palace chief Alan Pardew also spoke to Wilshere yesterday and is still hoping to land the Emirates man.

A source told SunSport: “Jack really likes Eddie Howe. He was very impressed with him and has been making lots of phone calls to people about Bournemouth.

“He says he is leaning towards going there – rather than Palace.

“But he is taking his time today before making the final decision.”

The Cherries are battling it out with Roma, Crystal Palace and AC Milan to sign the Arsenal midfielder who is set for a loan move away from the Emirates.

And Eddie Howe’s men have an ace up their sleeve in their efforts to clinch the deadline day deal in the shape of their forward Afobe.

The 23-year-old is one of Wilshere’s closest friends in football after he grew up in the Arsenal youth system with him.

And Afobe has been working hard trying to persuade his old pal from the Gunners academy to make a season-long switch to the south coast.

Afobe has spoken highly of the set-up at Bournemouth and of the coaching methods of Howe.

Wilshere held talks with Howe in London yesterday, along with a separate meeting with Palace boss Pardew.

Italian giants Milan made their interest known early yesterday evening, but they are now outsiders in the race to sign him.

Wilshere has asked to leave Arsenal after being frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities this season.

After almost three years disrupted by injury, the England star knows he needs regular football to return to full match sharpness and to start fulfilling his true potential.