Ilkay Gundogan has chosen to join Barcelona instead of Arsenal and will sign a two-year contract with the Blaugrana.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Ilkay Gundogan is leaving Manchester City as a free agent. And instead of joining Arsenal, the treble-winning midfielder is moving to Barcelona in the summer transfer window. The German international will sign a two-year contract with the Blaugrana.
Ilkay Gundogan has enjoyed a legendary seven-year stint with Manchester City. The 32-year-old joined the Premier League giants at the same time as Pep Guardiola and has been a trusted lieutenant for the former Barcelona manager. And he reached the pinnacle of his spell at the Etihad when he became the Manchester City captain this past season.
The German international has made 304 appearances for Manchester City, chipping in with 60 goals and 40 assists. But Gundogan’s stint at the Etihad is ending after seven years as he will become a free agent in a little over a week. And the situation had captured the attention of Barcelona and Arsenal.
Gundogan’s name featured highly on Barcelona’s radar as soon as Sergio Busquets decided to end his stint at Spotify Camp Nou. And while the Manchester City captain emerged on the radars of several other clubs, the Blaugrana remained optimistic about signing him.
Ilkay Gündogan to Barcelona, here we go! Final approval arrived on club side to register him as new signing, green light from the player. It’s done deal, signed few minutes ago. 🚨🔵🔴 #FCB
Gündogan has agreed a two year deal valid until June 2025 with option for further year. pic.twitter.com/Gr467hNBms
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 21, 2023
On the other hand, Arsenal had been trying to steal a march on Barcelona for Gundogan’s services. The Gunners are becoming infamous for signing players from Manchester City after landing Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko last summer. Joao Cancelo is another City star on Arsenal’s radar.
But Arsenal will not beat Barcelona to Gundogan’s signature, with the 32-year-old choosing Catalonia as his next destination. The report reveals that the German international will sign a two-year contract with the Blaugrana. And the deal will also include one optional year. Meanwhile, he has already undergone his medical in Munich.
So Arsenal will have to identify an alternative for Gundogan. As for the treble-winning midfielder, he is on the cusp of embarking on a new adventure. Thus ends his illustrious stint with Manchester City as he gets ready to don the famous Blaugrana strip of Barcelona.
