Arsenal Starlet On Barcelona’s Wishlist as Thiago Looks United Bound – Report

Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere is one of a number of players that Barcelona are considering as a possible replacement for Manchester United-bound midfielder Thiago Alcantara, according to reports in Spain.

Wenger has long maintained that Wilshere will remain with the Gunners for the long term after the club supported him through lengthy injury spells and worked hard to get the England international back to full fitness last season.

But when the Arsenal manager's resolve has been tested by Barcelona before he has relented, and Spanish paper Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Wilshere is one of a few options the Catalan giants will consider as a possible replacement for Thiago.

The Barcelona youngster is reportedly close to completing a deal to join United as David Moyes looks to take full advantage of Thiago's bargain £15m release clause which expires at the end of the month.

Barcelona are hoping to keep hold of Thiago despite interest from United, but should the 22 year old be promised more game time in Mancheste then it is likely that he will put pen to paper on a contract with the Premier League champions.

Wilshere has been touted as a future star for England after progressing through the Arsenal youth set up and becoming an important part of the first team. However, multiple injuries to his ankle have hampered his progress and he has already missed some 18 months of action in his short career.

Christian Eriksen and Ilkay Gundogan have also been touted as possible replacements for Thiago at Barcelona by the Spanish paper, with Tito Vilanova looking at a wide range of options as he resigns himself to losing one of his young stars.

Whether Wilshere would be tempted by a move to Barcelona where he would find a much tougher fight for game time than at Arsenal amongst the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Xavi and Andres Iniesta remains to be seen, but the starlet will no doubt be mentioned as a possible transfer target by the big clubs as he gets back to the form that made him one of England's most talked about players before his injury.