Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has spoken out about the move for Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere who became available for loan in the final days of the transfer window.
The 24-year-old picked up interest from a number of clubs in England and Europe ahead of deadline day, after it was made public that Arsenal were looking to send him out on loan.
The clubs which were heavily linked and interested in the midfielder were AS Roma, AC Milan, Bournemouth and Palace. On Tuesday afternoon, Wilshere met with Alan Pardew as well as holding discussions with Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe.
On the final day of the transfer window, it was said to be a two horse race between Bournemouth and Palace with Palace initially being said to be favourites due to the player’s preference to stay in London.
However later on in the day it became clear that it was Bournemouth that Wilshere was heading to with an influence from Arsenal as well as his positive discussions with Howe.
Speaking to Holmesdale Radio, Steve Parish said the following on the failed move for the Arsenal midfielder: “It was a bit like Haley’s Comet – it arrived as fast as it went.
“We were contacted and asked, ‘would we be interested?’ We said yes and threw our hat in the ring but the player decided to go to Bournemouth, I think one of his best mates plays there.
“He’s a very, very good player – that’s the level of player we are trying to bring to the club. You can’t win them all.”
