Chelsea might compete with Barcelona in the race to sign veteran midfielder Ilkay Gundogan from Premier League champions Manchester City.
According to British reports, as relayed by SPORT, Ilkay Gundogan is the subject of interest from Chelsea. The Blues will pursue the veteran German defender if they appoint Vincent Kompany as their next manager. But the Manchester City captain is also a target for Barcelona.
Ilkay Gundogan has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund. The 32-year-old has been a dependable performer and has been instrumental in several Premier League triumphs. Meanwhile, he remains a regular for the German national side.
The veteran midfielder has made 293 appearances thus far for Manchester City, chipping in with 54 goals and 38 assists. But the Premier League champions are in a spot of bother over his long-term future. And Gundogan will likely leave Manchester City as a free agent this summer. Such a situation has captured the attention of Barcelona and Chelsea.
The German international has been on Barcelona’s radar for a long time. And widespread reports have suggested that the Manchester City captain is ready to join the Blaugrana. Meanwhile, the interest in the player is understandable, considering Sergio Busquets faces an uncertain future at Spotify Camp Nou.
Recent reports have claimed that the 32-year-old is a priority target for Barcelona. And the Catalan giants have made concerted efforts to bring the veteran midfielder to Camp Nou this summer. But Barcelona will face stiff competition from Chelsea in the race to sign Gundogan.
Chelsea’s interest in the experienced midfielder is surprising, considering they signed Enzo Fernandez in January. In addition, the Blues intend to keep Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge. But the report suggests Chelsea will launch the offensive to sign the Manchester City captain if they appoint Vincent Kompany as the next manager.
But recent reports have claimed that the Burnley boss does not want to depart from Turf Moor. So Chelsea will unlikely appoint Kompany as Graham Potter’s replacement. Barcelona should thus have a clear run to secure Gundogan’s signature as he inches closer to leaving Premier League champions Manchester City.
