Spanish legend reveals Pep is considering shock move
Barcelona legend Xavi has revealed that his former manager Pep Guardiola is preparing a move for Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere at Manchester City.
Guardiola is thought to be a massive fan of the centre-midfielder, and has been ever since he dominated the midfielder in Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Barcelona in 2011.
He’s currently on loan at Bournemouth after Arsene Wenger challenged him in the summer to prove his fitness.
The England star missed almost all of last season with a calf injury and has previously struggled with several leg injuries over the last couple of seasons. However, he has made 22 appearances this campaign for the Cherries on the coast.
Guardiola heaped praise on Wilshere ahead of his side’s trip to the Cherries this week saying, “He’s lucky to play regularly for one season and he is going to be back to being one of the best midfield players in England by far.
“He’s quality, he’s smart and has the quality on the ball. He has a special quality with the ball, dribbling as a holding-midfielder to attack central defenders — it’s not easy to do that.”
And Xavi has revealed the former Barca and Bayern boss could make his move this summer.
“I know Pep has always had a lot of respect for Wilshere – he impressed so many of the Barcelona team when we played Arsenal in 2011,” Xavi told Fox Latin America.
“He impressed me a lot that night, I know he also did Pep and it will be a player that he would have been following ever since.
“We have talked about him, it was not a performance you forget easily.
“Technically he is the sort of player that Pep loves – his only problem has been injuries – and if it wasn’t for the issues he has had with injuries I am sure he would be one of the best midfield players in the world.
“At the moment he seems to be doing well with his fitness – and if there is a chance to sign him in the summer – I am sure Pep will give it real consideration.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
