Ilkay Gundogan's contract negotiations with Manchester City have not yet been abandoned, according to manager Pep Guardiola.
Gundogan's current contract ends at the end of the month, and Barcelona has lined him up for a free transfer because they are convinced they can sign the 32-year-old this summer.
It would be clear that the Premier League captains would suffer if Gundogan, the current captain of City, were to go. With two long-range strikes in Saturday's FA Cup victory, he provided additional evidence of his worth to the team, bringing his season total to 11 goals and seven assists across all competitions.
Guardiola fought to keep Gundogan after the match at Wembley and wouldn't concede defeat.
Guardiola stated, "He is aware of my opinions. Director of football Txiki Begiristain is working on it. I'm hoping he can succeed."
After the game, Gundogan also used the chance to express himself, expressing his love for City but remaining non-committal.
Gundogan told beIN Sports, "I feel tremendously appreciated at the club. "I've never spent seven years with a football team.
"So, I believe that demonstrates my affection for this team, the manager, and this club. We'll wait and see what transpires.
Guardiola has never concealed his desire to keep Gundogan, but negotiations for a contract extension with City have so far been ineffective, and Barcelona is determined to take advantage of the situation by making a cheap move for one of the most productive midfielders in the world.
However, before making any transfers, the Spanish team must wait for La Liga to approve their financial strategy.
Pep Guardiola told supporters before starting his senior management career in 2008: "I don't know if we'll win, but we'll persist. Fasten your seatbelts; we're going to have a good time.
Guardiola's hesitation was misplaced after spending the previous 15 years seated with, if not in front of, the top players in the sport. The Catalan coach has amassed mountains of trophies across three distinct nations, and it is true that he did it with the best resources available to him.
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