German superstar Ilkay Gündogan could be available this summer, and Manchester City look like the hot favourites to sign him.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is approaching the last year of his contract so, if he decides not to sign a new long-term deal at Westfalenstadion, he will be on the move.

Reports this week said the midfielder has a release clause of £23m, but that seems wide of the mark as Dortmund have previously denied having any release clauses for players still at the club. Gündogan’s agent (and uncle) has met with Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristai this week and started rumours that the Citizens are closing in on a deal.

Man City’s DoF Txiki Begiristain pictured with Ilkay Gundogan’s agent. (De Telegraaf). #mcfc pic.twitter.com/iTLW8oG6Ij

— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) March 9, 2016

There’s little doubt Gündogan would instantly become one of the best midfielders in the Premier League should he arrive in England, and that prospect is looking more likely with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid reportedly showing little interest in signing him.

Arsenal have been linked with the midfielder, who is a perfect all-around playmaker, but the financial pull of Manchester City and the draw of playing under Pep Guardiola would probably be too much for the Gunners to compete with.

Thomas Tuchel, head coach of Borussia Dortmund, still believes the club has a shot at keeping Gündogan. Tuchel’s first year has been incredibly impressive and the midfielder could be tempted to stay and see how things develop.

I’m sure Arsenal will make a move if they see Gündogan as a viable target but with Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund both very attractive places to be right now it seems unlikely we’ll see him wearing red and white in the near future.