It seemed unthinkable that when Jack Wilshere broke onto the seen almost a decade ago, he would finish his career anywhere other than the Emirates Stadium.

However, the 26-year-old brought to an end his 17-year association with Arsenal earlier this summer by joining West Ham on a free transfer.

Wilshere had offers from across Europe, but opted for Manuel Pellegrini and the exciting other arrivals at the London Stadium.

The England man has had rotten luck with injuries throughout his career, though he did get a good run in the Arsenal team last year and managed to impress.

Sadly, that wasn't enough to make both sides see eye-to-eye on a new contract, and in truth the writing looked to be on the wall when he was loaned to Bournemouth two years ago.

But Arsenal's loss is the Hammers' gain, and they will be hoping that they can inspire a run of form from the central midfielder that could see him return to the England fold.

Many fans believe he was unlucky not to make the plane to Russia with the national team earlier this summer, and after Eric Dier's performances you'd have to say those claims have been vindicated.

A fully fit Wilshere is an asset for any team, and West Ham actually have new Gunners boss Unai Emery to thank in helping get the deal over the line.

Wilshere has even said he is thankful to the Spaniard, as his honesty when he walked through the door at the Emirates convinced him that he had to move on to get regular game time.

"I have nothing but respect for [Emery]," he started. "He was honest with me and I am sure it would have been a very difficult conversation to have with me as he had only been in the job for a week.

“We had a meeting and he told me that I was not going to play as much as I wanted.

“So that was difficult for him and I thank him for that. He could have said: ‘Yes you are going to play’. I’d have signed a contract and stayed and in a year’s time they’d have had to sell me. So he was really honest with me and I thank him for that."

It's good to see that the parties left on good terms, particularly given the passion and effort that Wilshere gave Arsenal during his time there.

If he performs to the level that we all know he can, Emery could very well be regretting letting him go.