Wilshere opts against Arsenal academy role

Jack Wilshere has decided to focus on taking his first steps into senior management rather than return to Arsenal.

BBC Sport revealed earlier this month that the former Gunners midfielder was a contender for the vacant under-21s head coach job following the departure of Mehmet Ali, who left to join Brentford.

It is understood Arsenal initially approached Wilshere to discover whether he would be willing to return in a job that would both give him charge of the Under-21s and offer a wider remit within the club's player development strategy.

After considering the role, it is understood Wilshere has informed the club of his decision to exit the process and therefore he is no longer a candidate for the position .

Wilshere is keen to move towards senior management and has informed Arsenal that his current focus is on trying to land a first-team coaching position.

All parties are said to be understanding of the situation with the decision reached entirely amicably.

The former Gunners midfielder left Emirates Stadium last season, where he had been under-18s manager, to work as first-team coach under then-Norwich manager Johannes Thorup.

Wilshere was later promoted to interim head coach after Thorup left the club in April, but departed Carrow Road earlier this summer after Norwich appointed Liam Manning as their new manager.

Wilshere remains a fans' favourite at Arsenal, having come through the ranks to make more than 150 starts for the club.