Arsenal's Jack Wilshere tops a wish-list of replacements put together by Spanish champions Barcelona for veterans Xavi and Andres Iniesta, according to the Daily Star. Xaxi, 33, and Iniesta, 29, are currently mainstays in the Barca midfield but the Nou Camp giants are looking at bringing in younger options as the duo enter the winter of their careers. According to Mundo Deportivo, Wilshere is regarded as one of their top priorities after the 21-year-old impressed Barca scouts during trips to England to tie up a deal for former Gunners team-mate Alex Song. The England international has been found in great form in recent weeks, helping his side to the top of the Premier League table after eight games. One hurdle Barcelona would have to overcome in any serious bid for the starlet however would be that Wilshere only signed a new, five-year contract at Emirates Stadium last December. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is also unlikely to welcome any interest from the Spaniards having seen them prise two of his biggest stars away from him in the past, following Cesc Fabregas's departure in 2011. Atletico Madrid star Koke, who has earned comparisons to Xavi, is also on a list of players Barca want to replace the legendary pass-master.
Joseph is an accredited football journalist and has interviewed nearly all of the current 20 Barclay's Premier League managers. He is also a correspondent for Bleacher Report and has written for Caught Offside and Give Me Football.
