Pep Guardiola has declared that Barcelona had no intention of signing any Arsenal player—not even Jack Wilshere or Cesc Fabregas—in the next transfer window.
Wilshere was selected as the Man of the Match in the Arsenal vs Barcelona match that ended 2-1 in the Gunners’ favour at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League last week. Following the player’s impressive performance, transfer rumours have emerged—linking the Arsenal starlet to the Spanish champions.
“He (Wilshere) is a great player,” Guardiola admitted as he praised the midfielder. “A great player for Arsenal, and in any case, Arsene Wenger does not sell his best players.”
Perhaps, the selling of Ashley Cole, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Jens Lehmann over the years puts into question Arsene Wenger’s firm authority over his players. Yet, whatever the reason behind their respective departures were, the French manager is definitely not ready to lose his precious jewels in Jack Wilshere and Cesc Fabregas. Fortunately for him, Barcelona do not look likely to create new transfer sagas for any of the two playmakers.
The Catalans were relentlessly chasing the Spanish midfielder last summer, but complications in their deal with Arsenal forced them to surrender and look further for easier signings. This year, Guardiola has no intention of making another attempt for Fabregas; and showing his respect to the Premier League title contenders, he said:
"Arsenal are a wonderful side. You will not hear me discredit Arsenal.”
The former Spanish international also made a quick allusion to the return leg match of his side at the Camp Nou against Arsenal, adding: “They are a great side with a great coach, and they will be very difficult opponents. It will be a great match against a great club."
“He (Wilshere) is a great player,” Guardiola admitted as he praised the midfielder. “A great player for Arsenal, and in any case, Arsene Wenger does not sell his best players.”
Perhaps, the selling of Ashley Cole, Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Jens Lehmann over the years puts into question Arsene Wenger’s firm authority over his players. Yet, whatever the reason behind their respective departures were, the French manager is definitely not ready to lose his precious jewels in Jack Wilshere and Cesc Fabregas. Fortunately for him, Barcelona do not look likely to create new transfer sagas for any of the two playmakers.
The Catalans were relentlessly chasing the Spanish midfielder last summer, but complications in their deal with Arsenal forced them to surrender and look further for easier signings. This year, Guardiola has no intention of making another attempt for Fabregas; and showing his respect to the Premier League title contenders, he said:
"Arsenal are a wonderful side. You will not hear me discredit Arsenal.”
The former Spanish international also made a quick allusion to the return leg match of his side at the Camp Nou against Arsenal, adding: “They are a great side with a great coach, and they will be very difficult opponents. It will be a great match against a great club."
