“Ibrahimovic is certainly a great player,” Guardiola told Spanish newspaper Sport. “I am convinced that, as has happened with so many players, by coming to Barcelona he would improve his football further.”

Ibra has praised the Blaugrana’s style and hinted at a switch to the Nou Camp, but there are other considerations.

“Ibra is crazy about Barcelona and would love to join them,” noted agent Mino Raiola.

“I think it will be difficult to get Inter to stell, but as of today we have not yet heard about their sporting and economic proposals.”

One problem could be that Barca have a salary cap, which would limit Ibrahimovic’s status as the top earner in European football with £8m per season.

“I am tired of answering this question, as it should be put to Barcelona whether they are ready to break through that salary cap to get Zlatan.

“In any case, he belongs to Inter and before listening to any offers then Barcelona, Chelsea or Real Madrid must first reach an agreement with the club. We’ll wait and see what happens.”

Barca have taken the first step, as President Joan Laporta met with Inter patron Massimo Moratti this week.

It’s believed an offer of £25m plus Samuel Eto’o to bring in Ibrahimovic and full-back Maxwell was rejected.

Moratti values his striker at £80m and would prefer to hand Ibra over to Real Madrid in exchange for cash plus Arjen Robben or Wesley Sneijder.

Chelsea also have an in-road to the Capocannoniere thanks to existing negotiations for Ricardo Carvalho and Deco.