Arsenal are ready to rival Barcelona for Ilkay Gundogan, who will likely leave Manchester City as a free agent in the summer.
Ilkay Gundogan will probably lead the pool of free agents in the summer, with several clubs likely to chase his signature. With Barcelona considered the front-runners, according to Football Insider, Arsenal are ready to rival the Catalans for the 32-year-old Manchester City creative supremo.
Ilkay Gundogan has taken his time this season but yet again proven what a quality player he can be. Manchester City are chasing down Arsenal in the title race. And the 32-year-old Premier creative supremo has played a huge role in it for the Premier League champions with crucial goals and assists.
He has won four Premier League titles and could make it five by the end of May. But after that, he could leave Manchester City. Gundogan’s contract expires in the summer. And the veteran midfielder wants a new challenge to further his career.
Manchester City consider Gundogan important, which is why Pep Guardiola kept him last summer despite the German entering the final year of his contract. The club may have known the midfielder’s plan beyond this season and could line up a replacement.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are prioritising signing Gundogan for the summer, with the club looking at bargain deals in the market. The 32-year-old fits the style Xavi Hernandez wants to play, and the midfielder is keen on joining the Catalans.
Barcelona are adamant they can close the signing but may yet face competition from rivals. Arsenal are reportedly considering making a move for Gundogan. Mikel Arteta is seeking a new midfielder to occupy the left-eight berth and compete with Granit Xhaka.
Gundogan feels like a perfect fit for Arteta’s plans. But there is a feeling the Germain might be a contingent option rather than a priority. Arsenal view Moises Caicedo as their top target for that position. But they face tremendous competition there too.
The Brighton midfielder was open to joining the Gunners in January and may feel that way again in the summer. However, if Arsenal fail to sign him, Gundogan could become an alternative, although they might have to act fast to secure the Manchester City captain.
