Arsenal Transfer News: Jack Wilshere Move to Roma Blocked by Gunners over Fee

Arsenal reportedly blocked Jack Wilshere's deadline-day move to AS Roma after Bournemouth offered a £2 million loan fee and £80,000 per week towards his wages. 

According to Sami Mokbel of MailOnline, Wilshere held talks with the Giallorossi and "gave serious consideration" to joining them, only to see the deal "scuppered" by the Gunners.

AC Milan and Crystal Palace were also among those to make loan offers, and Arsenal evaluated each one before opting for Bournemouth's because theirs "represented the best financial value for the club."

The Daily Star's David Woods reported the wage contribution to be £100,000—his entire weekly packet.

Woods also reported that Wilshere was swayed into choosing Bournemouth due to his friendship with former Arsenal team-mate Benik Afobe, as well as his belief that he can reignite his career under Cherries manager Eddie Howe.

BBC Sport's David Ornstein gave further insight into how the deal was struck and Arsenal's rejection of Roma, per BBC 5 live Sport:

There's much Bournemouth can offer the 24-yer-old if he stays fit—most importantly, the chance of playing regular Premier League football.

Roma—where he would have helped replace Miralem Pjanic in midfield following his move to Juventus—would also have been an excellent choice.

Too few English players take the opportunity to play abroad, and in Serie A—where the game is played at a slightly slower pace than the Premier League but with a greater emphasis placed on tactics—Wilshere could have embraced a new culture both on and off the field.

Football commentator Adam Summerton believed as much:

While their desire to take the financial aspect of the deal into account is understandable, Arsenal perhaps needed to give greater consideration to the benefits Wilshere might have enjoyed.

Nevertheless, while Bournemouth may not enjoy the same status as Roma, he can still develop his game in other ways assuming he can stay fit.

At the Vitality Stadium, he'll most likely be involved in a relegation scrap and will need to show strength and determination as the team fight for every point.

Such an approach to the game will only help him upon his return to Arsenal, who have lacked those characteristics in recent years.