Pep Guardiola has been backed to make a sensational move for Jack Wilshere
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Pep Guardiola is thinking about bringing Jack Wilshere to Manchester City this summer, according to Barcelona legend Xavi .
City boss Guardiola has been a massive fan of Arsenal man Wilshere since midfielder dominated against his Barca side in a 2011 Champions League clash.
Wilshere is currently on a season loan at Bournemouth after Arsene Wenger challenged him to prove his fitness.
The England star missed almost all of last season with a calf injury and has previously struggled with foot, ankle and knee layoffs in recent problem plagued years - but has made 22 appearances this campaign.
(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: REUTERS)
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 revealed Guardiola could make a bid for Wilshere when his stint on the south coast ends.
"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 .
(Photo: Getty Images)
"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."