Ilkay Gundogan transfer latest: Arsenal hope, Four options revealed, Barcelona advantage
Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Manchester City, could become available on a free transfer this summer as his contract at the Etihad Stadium enters its final weeks. The German international had an outstanding 2022/23 season with Pep Guardiola's team, attracting interest from clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, and most recently, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Guardiola has publicly expressed his desire to retain the 32-year-old midfielder at Manchester City.
Per Mertesacker, Arsenal's academy manager and Gundogan's former German international teammate, has spoken about the possibility of the midfielder joining Arsenal. Mertesacker suggested that City's Champions League triumph could influence Gundogan's decision to leave the club. However, he also acknowledged that there is competition from other clubs and highlighted Arsenal's advantage of having a good relationship with the player.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, Gundogan has four options on the table for his future. These include signing a new deal with Manchester City or considering moves to Arsenal, PSG, or Barcelona. The report mentions that Julian Nagelsmann, the expected next manager of PSG, is a big admirer of Gundogan and has influenced PSG's interest in the player.
Spanish outlet Sport claims that Arsenal may struggle to compete in the race to sign Gundogan. The report cites three reasons: Arsenal can only offer a two-year contract compared to Barcelona's proposed three-year deal, Gundogan is attracted to a change of environment and the sunny weather in Spain, and if he remains in the Premier League, he would stay at Manchester City.
However, according to The Sun, Gundogan is set to agree on a new contract with Manchester City, dismissing the possibility of leaving on a free transfer. The report suggests that the former Borussia Dortmund player won't be departing the Etihad Stadium when his current deal expires.
Sport also reports that Gundogan is ready to close the chapter on his Premier League spell and has been convinced to join Barcelona. The La Liga giants have allegedly offered the midfielder a three-year contract, adding an extra year to their initial proposal.
Gundogan himself has spoken about his future but remains non-committal, stating that nothing has been decided yet. Pep Guardiola is eager to retain the influential midfielder, viewing him as a priceless player both on and off the pitch.
Manchester City seems determined to keep Gundogan, and The Mirror reports that they are now willing to offer him a two-year deal with the option for a further 12 months, countering Barcelona's interest.
While Arsenal holds concrete interest in Gundogan, The Athletic suggests that their primary targets are Declan Rice and Mason Mount. However, should Granit Xhaka depart for Bayer Leverkusen, Arsenal may require an additional midfielder, and Gundogan is seen as the ideal replacement due to his previous collaboration with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
In conclusion, Ilkay Gundogan's future remains uncertain as he approaches the end of his contract at Manchester City. While there is interest from clubs like Arsenal, PSG, and Barcelona, Manchester City is eager to retain their captain. Talks and negotiations are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. The situation remains open, with Gundogan having multiple possibilities to consider for the next chapter of his career.
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