Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere urged to join Barcelona by Dani Alves

Dani Alves says says the England midfielder can hit the heights of Xavi and Andre Iniesta

Jack Wilshere seen competing against Andre Iniesta in 2011 (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsenal fans may feel a sense of déjà vu after Jack Wilshere found himself linked with a move to Barcelona.

The midfielder was talked of highly in an interview with Dani Alves, with the Barca full-back saying the England international has the potential to reach the heights of Xavi and Andre Iniesta.

The comments of Alves have been interpreted as encouragement from the Brazilian for his club to buy the player.

In recent years, the Gunners have been unable to halt the advances of the La Liga leaders, with former captain Cesc Fabregas leaving for the Nou Camp, as well as Alex Song last summer. Arsenal fans have also seen Mark Overmars and Thierry Henry leave for Barcelona in the past.

Alves said in the interview with The Telegraph: “He is a great player who we have met playing against Arsenal and without doubt he can reach the height of the players we have here at Barcelona like Xavi and Iniesta.

“He has a lot of quality and a great personality. If I was given the chance to choose, he is a player that I would sign for Barcelona.”

Wilshere has never shown any signs of wanting to leave the Emirates, and recently signed a new deal that ties him at the club until 2018.

However, the trophy drought at Arsenal, if allowed to continue, is likely to see speculation continue to surround the 21-year-old.

The Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup at the weekend, and take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League tonight, the only competition in which there remains any hope of winning.