Jack Wilshere is set to become Arsenal’s new Under-18s head coach after hanging up his boots.
On Friday, the 30-year-old confirmed his retirement from playing having last turned out for Danish side AGF in the backend of the 2021-22 campaign.
Standard Sport reported last month that Wilshere was in talks with Arsenal over a post-playing career move into coaching following both the Under-23s and U18s manager departing the club.
That move is now set to be confirmed with the ex-midfielder arriving as U18s boss to replace Dan Micciche, who has joined former U23s coach Kevin Betsy at Crawley Town.
Internal candidates have also been under consideration with U23s assistant Mehmet Ali, a recruit from Reading in January, stepping up to take charge of that team. U18s coach Max Porter will move up as his assistant.
Youth coach Adam Birchall and former Arsenal youth player Julian Gray are expected to form part of Wilshere’s staff.
Announcing his retirement on Twitter, Wilshere wrote: “Today I am announcing my retirement from playing professional football.
“It has been an unbelievable journey filled with so many incredible moments and I feel privileged to have experienced all that I did in my career.”
