Speaking to the Independent, Jack Wilshere has admitted that he would be open to leaving Arsenal on a permanent basis.

Wilshere was touted to become a star for Arsenal after he broke into the first team back in 2008 at the tender age of just 16 and at the time, the midfielder certainly showed enough talent to justify his initial hype.

Unfortunately though, a host of persistent injury problems over the last few seasons meant that Wilshere’s involvement for Arsenal has severely limited and as a result, there was major concern that the midfielder would never be able to fulfill his immense potential.

Wilshere did finally manage to return to full fitness during summer but much to the surprise of many, the 24-year-old decided to make a shock move to Bournemouth on a season long loan rather than fighting for his place at the Emirates Stadium.

Following the move, many have reasoned that a switch to the South Coast of England gives Wilshere the opportunity to get his career back on track and return to Arsenal a better player but the England international has now gone on to make an admission which will surely worry the club faithful.

Wilshere has explained that he simply had to leave Arsenal this summer in order to earn regular minutes on the pitch and went on to add that he would be open to departing the Emirates Stadium on a permanent basis if his first team prospects do not improve next season.

Desire to leave permanently

The England international was quoted saying by the Independent, “I think so (it was brave), but I always thought to myself that, of course I love Arsenal, but if there comes a time when I have to leave, then I have to leave.

“If I go back and I’m still not playing then of course I will have to think about things but at the moment I’m concentrating on Bournemouth. I want to put myself in a position where I go back next year and I’m a better player and I can play, I’m fitter and I have proved to people I can play week-in and week-out and I’m ready for the challenge.

Disappointing for the fans

“It was a tough decision for me to go out on loan. I could have stayed at Arsenal, been the player that comes on now and again and starts the odd game here and there. But I wanted to prove (things) to people. When it comes to next year, I think I’ll have that experience and also have said to people that I’ve made big decisions when it comes to my career and when it comes I’ll have to make another decision.”

Arsenal have been very patient with Wilshere throughout his injury troubles and for the midfielder to hint at a departure from the club would have certainly disappointed many of the Gunners’ supporters, not to mention his mentor Arsene Wenger.