Trabzonspor chief Muharrem Usta has confirmed that he held talks with Jack Wilshere this summer.

Arsenal midfielder Wilshere was expected to leave the Emirates after falling out of favour.

Wilshere, 25, spent last season on loan at Bournemouth before his campaign was cruelly ended by yet another injury.

“I held direct talks with Jack Wilshere,” Usta told Turkish-Football .

“We wanted him on loan and were close to a deal but the move stalled at the last moment.”

Wilshere is yet to feature for Arsenal's senior ranks this season, but has played for the Under-23s, where he was sent off.

Jack Wilshere is set to be handed a chance to shine (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

"Manchester United have offered Arsenal a timely reminder" - How Mourinho has shown Wenger the Europa League way

Arsenal should learn Manchester United's successful Europa League campaign last season - or they will live to regret it.

That's the verdict of John Cross and Adrian Kajumba, two of our top reporters, in the latest episode of the Mirror Football podcast (which you can listen to below).

Discussing the prospects of British sides in Europe, both Cross and Kajumba agree that the Europa League represents a huge opportunity - and point to what Manchester United achieved last season as an example of what it could do for the club.

That's despite Arsene Wenger currently being quite open about his less than positive feelings about the tournament.

Jack Wilshere to be handed Europa League lifeline

Arsene Wenger is ready to hand Jack Wilshere a Europa League lifeline at Arsenal .

Wenger will rest and rotate his line-up and make drastic changes for Thursday’s game with Cologne and through the early rounds.

Gunners boss Wenger has earmarked Wilshere to play which would be his first appearance for Arsenal in 13 months.

Wilshere, 25, is fit after breaking his leg while on a year-long loan at Bournemouth last season and decided to stay at the Emirates after being told he will get games in Europe and the domestic cups.

Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez are also likely to get game time on Thursday with the Chile forward needing match fitness.