Jack Wilshere: Bournemouth re-sign England midfielder on free transfer

Jack Wilshere previously helped Bournemouth finish ninth in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season

Jack Wilshere has rejoined Bournemouth on a deal until the end of the season.

Former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder Wilshere has been training with the first-team squad to maintain fitness after he left the Hammers in October.

The England midfielder, 29, previously made 27 appearances for the Cherries during a season-long loan from Arsenal in the 2016-17 Premier League campaign.

Wilshere is eligible to be part of the Bournemouth squad for Tuesday's Championship game at Derby County.

"From the minute I walked through the door three weeks ago, it felt natural and like I had never been away," Wilshere told the club website.

"I know a lot of the players and staff here and I'm pleased they allowed me to train initially, and then it just went from, there.

"I've been impressed by the coaching staff, the way they work and the ambitions of the club to get back in the Premier League.

"We all share the same ambitions and I'm looking forward to playing my part in helping achieve those."

Wilshere arrives at a Bournemouth side who are third in the table and four points off second-placed Swansea.

"We're delighted to get it agreed," Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall told BBC Radio Solent.

"There's no doubting Jack's quality. In his own words, he feels he's got 'unfinished business' here and he was a huge part of our most successful time.

"I've been really pleased with what I've seen since he's been training with us."

Meanwhile Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma's red card against Luton Town on Saturday has been rescinded.

The Colombia international was shown a straight red card in the first half after he appeared to catch Luton centre-back Tom Lockyer with an elbow to the face.

A claim of wrongful dismissal was upheld at a Football Association hearing and means the 26-year-old will be available to face Derby.

Analysis

Kris Temple - BBC Radio Solent Bournemouth commentator

This deal would appear to be a no-brainer for all parties.

For Bournemouth, it's a chance to add a player for no fee, who has proved he can fit into their club ethos and style, and should be a classy addition at Championship level.

For Wilshere, there is regular football, in a place he's happy, with a quantifiable motivation in terms of trying to get the club back to the Premier League.

Where Bournemouth use him in midfield will be interesting. The "number six" role is sewn up by Lewis Cook, who's having his best season in Cherries colours.

As well as centrally, Wilshere can operate as a number 10 to unpick defences, but that's a role rarely employed by boss Jason Tindall, who prefers a 4-3-3 or 3-4-3 formation.

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