Bayern Munich are reportedly interested in Ilkay Gundogan as the Germans eye significant signings to elevate their squad quality.
According to Fichajes, Ilkay Gundogan has emerged on Bayern Munich’s wishlist as the Bundesliga champions eye significant squad changes in the summer. The Manchester City midfield maestro will enter the final year of his contract in July and may end up leaving the Premier League champions.
Ilkay Gundogan wrote his name in Manchester City’s folklore after a tremendous performance on the last day of the season. His two goals, including the dramatic winner, earned the club an improbable comeback win over Aston Villa, ensuring they retained the Premier League title.
The performance was reminiscent of Sergio Aguero’s late winner to clinch the title in 2011/12, without the dramatics of that night. However, unlike the Argentine back then, Gundogan’s future at the club is in doubt as he enters the final year of his Manchester City contract.
Gundogan and Manchester City have not reached an agreement over a new deal, despite Guardiola publicly expressing his desire to keep the midfielder. There might be further talks scheduled between the two parties, and they might have to resolve the matter or risk losing the German international.
Gundogan is reportedly ready to depart the club and will have no shortage of suitors. Joining the German champions could be an attractive prospect for the Manchester City midfield maestro, who could seek a return to his homeland. Premier League sides, Spanish clubs and now Bayern Munich are showing an interest.
If he leaves Manchester City, Gundogan’s primary desire will be to continue playing in the Champions League, which the Bavarians certainly fulfil. Bayern are at a crossroads with their squad and are eyeing significant changes in the summer.
Robert Lewandowski, Serge Gnabry and a few others are at risk of departing the club, and Bayern Munich are looking at specific profiles to bridge the gap. One of their objectives would be to add goals from many positions, reflecting on their interest in Gundogan.
The Manchester City midfielder has scored ten or more goals in each of the last two seasons. He could certainly improve in a fluid side such as Bayern, and the club could be reportedly angling a bargain move under €30 million for the midfielder.
Meanwhile, Bayern are also trailing Sadio Mane, who is ready to leave Liverpool after six successful seasons at Merseyside. The Senegalese international could offset the possible departures of Lewandowski or Gnabry to a certain extent, while Gundogan could add a different dimension of goal threat from a midfield position.
Given the slow negotiations between Manchester City and Gundogan, Bayern will be alert to pounce for the midfielder’s signature if the opportunity arises. The German international’s days in the Premier League could be numbered as a return to the Bundesliga looms large.
