Jack Wilshere was reportedly offered to Ligue 1 champions LOSC Lille in the January window, with the midfielder willing to go on trial with the French club.
According to L’Equipe, Wilshere, who has been training with Arsenal for some weeks, was in contact with Lille over a potential move. However, the reigning French champions turned down the offer to take on Wilshere.
As per the report, Lille instead signed on free agent midfielder and former Newcastle United Hatem Ben Arfa over Wilshere, who penned a short-term contract with the club until the end of the season.
Since leaving Newcastle, Ben Arfa has bounced around Europe playing for various clubs across France and the continent at large, with Lille the 34-year-old’s seventh French club in his career.
As for Wilshere, the rejection from Lille will no doubt be a blow for the former England international, who has been without a club since the summer and has been working on his fitness with Arsenal.
As well as on the pitch work, Wilshere has been working with various youth levels at Arsenal as the 30-year-old works on his coaching badges, with the midfielder being spotted on the sideline for some U-23 games with manager Kevin Betsy.
Lille rejection should tempt Arsenal to sign Wilshere up
Ever since Wilshere was made a free agent in the summer, Arsenal fans have been crying out for the midfielder to join on a short-term deal, and with this latest rejection from Lille, the Gunners should bite the bullet and sign their former playmaker.
Indeed, with just the Premier League to focus on this season, an extra creative midfielder in Wilshere could be welcome, and with Lille passing up on the chance to sign the 30-year-old, Arsenal could take up the chance to sign their former superstar.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
