Arsenal will look to torpedo Barcelona to the signature of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Ilkay Gundogan remains a top target for several clubs. Arsenal and Barcelona are his two top suitors, with the former looking to hijack the latter’s deal. Meanwhile, Manchester City will look to keep the German international at the Etihad beyond the summer transfer window.
Ilkay Gundogan is one of the most highly sought-after players in the transfer market heading into the summer transfer window. The 32-year-old is in the final days of his contract with Manchester City. And he has several high-profile clubs clamouring for his signature to complete a Bosman move.
The German international has battled injury woes to become a mainstay in midfield for the Premier League heavyweights. He has turned out over 300 times thus far, chipping in with 60 goals and 40 assists. But Gundogan’s uncertain situation has left Manchester City rattled while alerting Arsenal and Barcelona.
Arsenal and Manchester City traded blows in the Premier League title race this past season. The Gunners were also active in the market last summer and raided Manchester City for two players. And Arsenal’s eagerness to sign Manchester City players has not ended, with Joao Cancelo and Ilkay Gundogan being top targets.
Recent reports have suggested that the North London giants have already offered a contract to the 32-year-old. And Arsenal will look to steal a march on Barcelona in the race to sign the veteran midfielder in a Bosman move. Meanwhile, the interest is hardly surprising, considering Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey face uncertain futures at the Emirates.
As for Barcelona, the newly-crowned La Liga champions are optimistic about securing Gundogan’s services. And following the departure of Sergio Busquets, the Manchester City captain has emerged as the ideal candidate to replace him. But Arsenal’s eagerness to seal the deal has left Barcelona in a spot of bother.
The Gunners can potentially offer a lucrative contract to Gundogan, which Barcelona cannot. So it will be interesting to see if Barcelona’s optimism translates into a Bosman move materialising in the coming days.
