Ex-Arsenal star Jack Wilshere set to land first permanent job as manager

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has reportedly become the number one choice for the Luton Town board to take over as manager at Kenilworth Road.

The 33-year-old has held discussions with the Hatters and is in pole position to replace Matt Bloomfield, who was dismissed earlier this week.

While Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens made it down to the final two candidates, Wilshere is now close to landing the job, though a deal is yet to be finalized.

Wilshere’s most recent role was as interim coach at Norwich City at the end of last season, where he took charge for the final two games following Johannes Hoff Thorup's sacking.

He was subsequently overlooked for the permanent job, with the Canaries appointing Liam Manning. Wilshere was also previously linked to the Plymouth Argyle job before Tom Cleverley took charge.

Luton Town, who have suffered back-to-back relegations, have endured a poor start to the 2025-26 campaign with five defeats from their opening 11 games, leaving them 11th in League One.

Before his stint at Norwich, Wilshere served as the Under-18 coach at Arsenal. The former midfielder earned 34 caps for England and made 197 appearances for Arsenal, before spells at West Ham and Bournemouth.