Jack Wilshere is leaving Arsenal as under-18 head coach to take up a first-team coaching position at Norwich City

Arsenal Under-18 head coach Jack Wilshere will leave his role on Wednesday to take up a first-team coaching position at Norwich City on Thursday, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.

The 32-year-old became the Gunners Under-18s coach in the summer of 2022 after he retired, leading them to the final of the FA Youth Cup at the end of his debut campaign.

The former Arsenal midfielder held talks with Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids last October but remained at the North London club.

However, Wilshere could not turn down the chance to move into a first-team role at Norwich and join Johannes Hoff Thorup’s backroom team as the Canaries look to secure Premier League promotion this term.

Becoming a first-team manager has always been on his mind, and moving to the Championship club will get him closer to his dreams.

Wilshere will gain much-needed experience at Norwich and boost his C.V going forward as he eyes being the main man in the dugout in the near future.

Arsenal will now proceed to look for his replacement and it is safe to say the under-18s will hugely miss their departing coach.

The Hale End academy graduate was widely considered one of the best midfielders during the early days of his career before injuries forced him to retire early, and he will now look to make a name for himself in management.

Becoming Arsenal manager one day will be a dream of his, and he could be getting closer if things go well at Norwich and he secures the role of a first-team manager going forward.

The Canaries are currently seventh in the Championship after winning four of their opening 10 games of the season, and they are hoping to finish in the top-two after missing out on promotion after losing to Leeds United in the play-off semi-finals last season.