Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan could leave the club at the end of this season, with La Liga giants Atletico Madrid interested.
According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Andrea Berta, the director of Atletico Madrid dreams of signing Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City when his contract expires in the summer.
The 32-year-old has not been able to agree on a contract extension with the Premier League giants, and he could move on at the end of the season. Losing a player of his calibre on a free transfer would be a blow for Manchester City, but they are powerless because of his contract.
The player will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs when the transfer window opens in January. And La Liga giants Atletico Madrid will look to secure his services as soon as possible.
The German international is one of the best midfielders in Europe and has been a key player for Pep Guardiola. Gundogan is unlikely to have any shortage of suitors, with Bayern Munich also reportedly interested. So Atletico Madrid must look to act quickly in order to fend off any competition.
Signing a player like Gundogan on a free transfer would be a massive coup for any club. The Spanish heavyweights are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, and Gundogan would be a sensational addition for them on a free transfer.
Rodrigo De Paul has been linked with a move away from Wanda Metropolitano, and the Manchester City midfielder could be his replacement. The Manchester City captain has been linked with Juventus as well. It will be interesting to see what he decides.
Gundogan has already proven himself in the Bundesliga, and a move to Spain could be more tempting for him at this stage of his career. A player like him would want to join a club capable of winning major trophies. And Atletico will have to convince him of their ambitions after a dismal campaign so far.
Gundogan has helped Manchester City win every domestic trophy since joining the club. And he will look to sign off on a high by winning the UEFA Champions League with them this season if he decides to call it quits at the Etihad.
