Arsenal and Barcelona are reportedly interested in Ilkay Gundogan, who could depart Manchester City in the summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona and Arsenal could be interested in German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who could be leaving Manchester City after the season.
Ilkay Gundogan epitomises everything Pep Guardiola wants from a midfielder. He has bags of creativity, tenacity and the ability to score plenty of goals. The German has proved his worth over six seasons as he became one of the most important players in the Catalan’s system.
After a less glamorous season, where he started only 20 Premier League games, Gundogan is poised to leave Manchester City and pursue a new challenge elsewhere. Reports have emerged backing the claim, as Guardiola might be looking to tweak his options in midfield.
Gundogan was Manchester City’s top goalscorer last season as he helped the team win their third Premier League title during his stint at the Etihad. He has won other domestic titles, including the FA Cup and multiple League Cups. He also came close to winning the Champions League last season, as they lost to Chelsea in the final.
Talks ongoing between Gündoğan agents and Manchester City board. No discussion about new deal – just about his future with serious chances to leave the club. ? #MCFC
His trip to Madrid was not linked to his future. Barça, German clubs and Arsenal [depends on UCL] interested. pic.twitter.com/IQxH3XH1CH
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2022
With his contract expiring in 2023, the midfielder could be on his way out. Gundogan’s agents are in discussions with the Manchester City board, which is supposedly not about extending his contract but regarding his future at the Etihad. Manchester City are already looking at Frenkie de Jong as a possible replacement, and Barcelona are willing to sanction a sale if interested parties pay up their asking price.
De Jong reportedly prefers Manchester City over their neighbours Manchester United, although his asking price may be a problem. However, Fabrizio Romano states that Barcelona are now keen on Gundogan, which could prompt both clubs to enter discussions over finding an agreement in terms of a possible swap deal.
But Arsenal are also interested in signing Gundogan in the summer. The Gunners are also reportedly in the race to sign Gundogan, as Mikel Arteta eyes a quality addition to his midfield. Arteta knows the German from his time as Manchester City’s assistant manager and believes the midfielder has the qualities to plug the gaps in the Arsenal squad.
His experience is valued, while the goalscoring prowess he brings to the table is a superior attribute compared to their current midfielders. However, the City midfielder reportedly wants to continue playing in the Champions League, a competition he has never won. It could rule Arsenal out of the running for the German star.
With Arsenal more likely to finish fifth when the season ends on Sunday, they might not play in the Champions League next season. That would effectively rule out any move for Gundongan, leaving the path clear for Barcelona to pursue a transfer move.
The Blaugrana would be a great destination for Gundogan, where he could help the young squad at Camp Nou develop into a title-winning outfit. However, their financial issues would be a hurdle in any potential move unless Barcelona and Manchester City decide to come to some sort of a swap arrangement involving Gundogan and Frenkie de Jong.
