Arsenal academy chief Per Mertesacker has hinted he will be reluctant to lose U18 coach Jack Wilshere.

Wilshere, 31, is in talks about the senior coaching post at Colorado Rapids.

The Rapids are seeking a new coach after the departure of Robin Fraser and have been impressed by Wilshere after initial meetings.

Arsenal and Colorado have close ties as both clubs are owned by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.

Speaking earlier this yea about Wilshere, Mertesacker said: “His ambition naturally is one day to go somewhere and coach a first-team, but I'm not letting him at the moment."