Pep Guardiola’s eyes twinkle as he talks, not with mischief, but in admiration. He has something to get off his chest and it might not be good news for Arsenal. Jack Wilshere has a big fan and Manchester City might have an intriguing transfer target.

There has been plenty of talk about Wilshere heading to City before, but it has never got beyond the speculation stage. A whisper here, a rumour there, a nudge and a wink.

It has always been denied. City have previously claimed they are not interested, Arsenal have steadfastly resisted any notion that one their homegrown players, a boyhood fan, would abandon them.

In short, there has never seemed to be a realistic chance that the England international would wear Sky Blue, but that was before Guardiola took charge at the Etihad Stadium, and it was before Wilshere was sent out on loan to Bournemouth, because he was no longer guaranteed regular first team football under Arsene Wenger.

City play Bournemouth on Monday night and it seemed natural to ask Guardiola about a player who played so well against his Barcelona side in a Champions League Round of 16 games six years ago, troubling and worrying Andres Iniesta and Xavi, one of the best midfield double acts in Europe.