Arsenal under-18 manager poised to join Norwich

Arsenal Under-18s manager Jack Wilshere is set to join Norwich City as a first-team coach, with the move expected to be finalized in the coming days.

The 32-year-old’s appointment won’t be confirmed before Norwich’s Championship match against Stoke on Saturday, as Wilshere is still set to lead Arsenal’s Under-18s in their game against Aston Villa.

He will take over from Narcis Pelach, who left Norwich last month to become head coach at Stoke City.

Wilshere, a former England international, is considered a long-term appointment by Norwich. Compensation for his move is not an issue.

Having retired from playing in 2022 at just 30, Wilshere has been coaching Arsenal’s Under-18s. He is familiar with Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper from Knapper’s time as Arsenal’s loans manager.

Wilshere made 197 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 14 goals and winning two FA Cups. He also had stints with Bournemouth, West Ham, and Aarhus in Denmark, and earned 34 caps for the England national team.

Norwich City, currently seventh in the Championship, appointed Danish coach Johannes Thorup as manager this summer.