La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up the prospect of securing the services of Manchester City playmaker Ilkay Gundogan.
According to a report by 90 min, Ilkay Gundogan is the subject of interest from Real Madrid over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The German international could leave Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola wants the experienced playmaker to stay put at the Etihad.
Ilkay Gundogan spent his formative years at five German clubs before making the grade at the first-team level. The 31-year-old made a name for himself during a five-year stint with Borussia Dortmund, where he established himself as one of the best playmakers in Europe. And he has taken his game to the next level since joining Manchester City nearly half a dozen years ago.
The German international has turned out 252 times thus far for Manchester City, chipping in with 47 goals and 33 assists. But the Premier League champions are in a spot of bother over Gundogan’s long-term future, with his contract set to expire next year. Such a situation has captured the attention of several high profile clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid.
Real Madrid might delve into the market for a creative midfielder in the summer transfer window, as Isco will officially become a free agent in July. At the same time, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are approaching the final phases of their respective careers, with the former set to turn 37 this year.
As a result, several playmakers have emerged on Real Madrid’s radar, including Fabian Ruiz, with Gundogan also a viable target for Los Blancos. The Manchester City playmaker will bring years of experience to Real Madrid and could be the ideal short-term replacement for Modric.
But Real Madrid might have to battle a few other European bigwigs to secure the services of Gundogan. The German international has also popped up on the radars of Barcelona and Arsenal, with local rival Atletico Madrid also showing an interest in him.
But Real Madrid could also have an uphill task to sign Gundogan, with Pep Guardiola recently insisting he wants the 31-year-old playmaker to remain at Manchester City. It will be interesting to see how things evolve in this saga and if Gundogan extends his stay at Manchester City.
