LONDON -- Arsene Wenger says Jack Wilshere's decision to go out on loan was "logical" and is convinced the midfielder will prove he is a world-class player at Bournemouth.
Wilshere was granted a loan move to the south-coast club after he was dropped from the England squad by Sam Allardyce because he was not a starter at Arsenal, and Wenger said he could understand the 24-year-old's wish to get more playing time.
"We had a chat together, and he himself was concerned that he would not get enough competition early enough. Because he feels ready to play," Wenger said on Friday.
"I couldn't guarantee that, so that's why it's a decision we thought looked logical, to give him time to really come back to a competitive level. At some stage you need competition, and I couldn't guarantee that."
The move has been called a crossroad in Wilshere's career by many, with his future at the club looking increasingly uncertain.
The Arsenal academy product made his league debut at 16 and has long been seen as a future Gunners captain, but had his progress stunted by a long series of injuries.
He missed nearly all of last season with a broken ankle, and has been kept out of the Arsenal side by the likes of Mesut Ozil, Santi Cazorla and Granit Xhaka since his return.
But Wenger dismissed the notion that Wilshere's Arsenal career is hanging in the balance.
"No, not at all. He wanted games, and I can understand his desire. And I felt it was a logical decision," Wenger said "Let's not forget that last year he didn't play, and so he is in a position where you need games.
"You cannot be out and not compete for two seasons and then want to be at the top level. So it important for him that he gets a number of games this season. I hope personally that he stays his whole career here."
Wilshere is hoping to play in his preferred role as a No. 10 at Bournemouth, a position that is occupied by Ozil at Arsenal.
Wenger has mainly used Wilshere in a deeper central role in recent seasons when he has been fit, with former England coach Roy Hodgson also deploying him at the base of a midfield diamond.
But Wenger said he also wants to see Wilshere as an attacking midfielder.
"Personally it's where I prefer him. I think Jack Wilshere is a world class football player who has a great football brain and understands everything that is going on the football pitch," Wenger said.
"And he's the most dangerous when you give him the ball in the final third. So for me it was always a shame that he plays too deep. I like him close to the goal because he can create. The thinking behind (the loan move) is that he gets regular football, that he gets back to what he is -- a world-class football player."