Guardiola rules out Wilshere bid

Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola has no intention of launching a bid for Jack Wilshere but concedes the Arsenal starlet is a ‘great player’.

Wilshere, 19, was integral in Arsenal’s stunning 2-1 defeat of Barca in the first leg of their Champions League tie at the Emirates on Wednesday, outshining the likes of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and even his own captain Cesc Fabregas.

The England international clearly caught the eye of Guardiola, who admitted he was impressed by Wilshere’s talent, but the Barca boss ruled out attempting to prise him away from north London.

“He (Wilshere) is a great player – a great player for Arsenal,” Guardiola said.

“And in any case, (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger doesn’t sell his best players.”

Arsenal travel to the Camp Nou for the return leg next month, an encounter that Guardiola predicts will be just as tough.

“Arsenal are a wonderful side,” the Barca boss said.

“You will not hear me discredit Arsenal – they are a great side with a great coach and they will be a very difficult opponent. It will be a great game against a great team.”