Thursday 1 September 2016 13:33, UK
Eddie Howe believes playing for Bournemouth offers Jack Wilshere the perfect platform "to deliver his very best" this season.
The England international completed a surprise season-long deal from Arsenal to the Cherries on Wednesday in order to get regular team football.
The 24-year-old chose Bournemouth after spending two hours meeting with Howe on Tuesday, despite interest from Crystal Palace, Roma and AC Milan.
It represents a significant coup for a team that was in League One as recently as 2013 but Howe is confident Wilshere's season at the Vitality Stadium will be beneficial for all concerned.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Howe said: "We met and had a good football talk. We talked about the club and various different things that you go through.
"I am obviously delighted that he chose us ahead of a number of other clubs and I think he will do really, really well for the team.
"I think it is a big thing for us. It is a step into the unknown in the respect that Jack is out there on his own in terms of his profile and the type of player we have attracted.
"But I think it is one that can work for both sides. He can definitely compliment the style of football and the way that we play and maybe add that missing piece of the jigsaw that we need.
"We can give him a platform to deliver his very best."
One significant factor in Bournemouth's favour in the chase for Wilshere was Cherries striker Benik Afobe, who came through the Arsenal youth system with the midfielder and is godfather to his child.
Afobe was instrumental in persuading his close friend to move to the South Coast and they arrived together for Wilshere's first training session on Thursday morning.
Speaking about the pair's relationship, Howe said: "Naturally it helps when you know someone. You can ask that person for an honest opinion about various things.
"Hopefully Benik - and it looks like he did - spoke positively about us and that can only help your chances."
Wilshere was left out of Sam Allardyce's first England squad after failing to start any of Arsenal's three Premier League games so far this season, though he did come on as a substitute against both Leicester and Watford.
The international break affords Howe plenty of time to work with Wilshere before Bournemouth's next game at home to West Brom on September 10 but the Cherries boss was remaining tight-lipped on whether his new acquisition will start that game.
When asked when he expects Wilshere to be available, How said: "Hopefully as soon as possible but we will wait and see.
"I don't want to set any targets at this stage. We will see how everything works in training first."
