Atletico Madrid have reportedly joined the race to sign Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan amid claims the German could depart from the Etihad.
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan has become a sought-after prospect in the transfer market, with Atletico Madrid becoming the latest club to be linked with the player, reports Fichajes. Diego Simeone is looking to add a central midfielder to his ranks, and that is where Gundogan comes into the fray for the La Liga giants.
The German international has stolen the headlines this week following reports of Manchester City asking him to find a new club this summer. It appears the Premier League giants will not renew his contract that expires in 2023. And that has prompted Gundogan to leave Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
Following the report of his exit, Gundogan has immediately attracted interest from FC Barcelona and Arsenal. But it appears Atletico Madrid have joined the race to sign the Manchester City midfielder as well, as they look to reinforce their options in the middle of the park ahead of the new season.
The La Liga giants are anticipating an overhaul in midfield this summer, with Thomas Lemar likely to be offloaded. Los Colchoneros are also losing Hector Herrera, while Geoffrey Kondogbia has been linked with an exit as well.
It has compelled Simeone to go after a new midfielder who can offer the support alongside the likes of Rodrigo De Paul and Koke. Gundogan fits the bill well given his experience and pedigree at the highest level of football, which is combined with his technical superiority and tactical flexibility.
The German international has indeed made a name for himself with his quality in possession. The Manchester City midfielder is an excellent outlet in the second line of press and can offer the grace in Atletico Madrid’s approach play. It has made Gundogan an appealing option for Diego Simeone, who wants to mount yet another La Liga title challenge in the coming season.
Luring Gundogan to the Spanish capital, though, could be difficult, as the Manchester City midfielder has been courted by a host of other clubs. Barcelona, for one, could be an interesting destination for the German while a return to his former club Borussia Dortmund cannot be ruled out completely, as he shares an excellent relationship with the Bundesliga giants.
With the 2022 FIFA World Cup just around the corner, Gundogan must choose his next club wisely, knowing a lack of game-time could rule him out of contention for a place in Hansi Flick’s 23-man for Germany later this year.
