BOURNEMOUTH have a secret weapon in their bid to sign Jack Wilshere on loan – striker Benik Afobe.
The Cherries are battling it out with Crystal Palace and AC Milan to sign the Arsenal midfielder who is set for a loan move away from the Emirates.
IMAGE: Action Images via Reuters
And Eddie Howe’s men have an ace up their sleeve in their efforts to clinch the deadline day deal in the shape of their forward Afobe.
The 23-year-old is one of Wilshere’s closest friends in football after he grew up in the Arsenal youth system with Wilshere.
IMAGE: Reuters
And Afobe has been working hard trying to persuade his old pal from the Gunners academy to make a season-long switch to the south coast.
Afobe has spoken highly of the set-up at Bournemouth and of the coaching methods of manager Eddie Howe.
Wilshere held talks with Cherries boss Howe in London yesterday, along with a separate meeting with Palace boss Alan Pardew.
Italian giants Milan made their interest known early yesterday evening, but they are now outsiders in the race to sign the 24-year-old.
IMAGE: Getty Images
IMAGE: Getty Images
Wilshere has asked to leave Arsenal after being frustrated at the lack of first team opportunities this season.
After almost three years disrupted by injury, the England star knows he needs regular football to return to full match sharpness and to start fulfilling his true potential.
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With two young children, a move to Palace would represent the chance for Wilshere to stay in London.
But Bournemouth believe they can offer a footballing environment that would help the midfielder flourish.
And Afobe is keeping in touch with his friend in an effort to seal the deal for the Cherries.
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