Roma regret missing out signing Jack Wilshere on deadline day

Roma have confirmed they were interested in signing Jack Wilshere on loan until the end of the season before having the deal scuppered by Arsenal. The England midfielder eventually completed a 12-month move to AFC Bournemouth on deadline day but not before a number of clubs registered an interest in enlisting his services.

The Cherries were accompanied by Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Serie A giants AC Milan in submitting a proposal to acquire Wilshere, and it would be the south coast club who prevailed. The Daily Mail understand that the former Bolton Wanderers loanee favoured a move to the Italian capital but the Gunners blocked the move at the 11<sup>th hour.

Bournemouth offered to pay Arsenal a £2m fee and Wilshere's £80,000-a-week wages in full – a financial package which swayed the club's decision. Roma were therefore left to settle with making just 11 summer signings, leaving director Mauro Baldissoni content if not frustrated by the failure to land Wilshere.

"Towards the end of the market we saw the chance to take an opportunity," Baldissoni told TeleRadioStereo, according to Metro. "We had identified Wilshere, who could've suited us, but he decided to remain in England. For the rest, we did what we needed to do."

After consecutive seasons maligned by injury, Wilshere will have the opportunity to reignite both his Arsenal and England career at the Vitality Stadium under the tutelage of Eddie Howe. The 24-year-old has been impressed by the reception to his arrival and says his talks with Howe have already proven fruitful.

"I'm delighted to have joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan and would like to thank everyone at the club for making me feel so welcome," the Arsenal man wrote via his official Instagram account. "I had a good chat with the manager and feel sure that this is the best place for me to play and develop this season. I am looking forward to working hard every day with the coaching staff and my new teammates to help the club achieve success on the pitch. Thanks for all of your support as always."