Arsenal enters the race for Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan, disrupting Barcelona’s plans.
- Arsenal have reportedly made a significant move to sign Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City.
- Despite ongoing negotiations with Barcelona, Arsenal’s long-term contract offer could sway Gundogan.
- Manchester City have also reopened negotiations, making Gundogan’s future uncertain.
The transfer window is close to opening and the latest rumours link Arsenal with a surprise swoop for Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Ilkay Gundogan.
According to reports from ‘Bild’ via Sport in Spain, Arsenal have taken ‘decisive steps’ towards acquiring the services of the 32-year-old German international. Gundogan, a pivotal player in Manchester City’s campaign, who is believed to be seeking a long-term contract, something that City have been reluctant to offer.
The Gunners, looking to bolster their midfield, have been scanning the market for players with technical prowess. Gundogan, after an exceptional season with City, has become a prime target for Arsenal.
Despite Barcelona’s ongoing negotiations with Gundogan and his apparent inclination towards moving to Spain with his family, Arsenal are reportedly ready to test him with a substantial contract offer.
The North London club’s bid could potentially disrupt Barcelona’s plans, leaving the transfer situation rather uncertain.
Gundogan’s potential move to Arsenal would be a massive coup for the Gunners, who are eager to make significant improvements to their squad. The German’s experience and technical skills could provide the necessary spark in their midfield.
The midfielder has had conversations with Barcelona’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, about his role in the Blaugrana project.
However, with no contract signed as yet, Arsenal’s enticing financial offer and the promise of a long-term contract could sway Gundogan’s decision, so the reports say.
While Manchester City have also reopened negotiations to retain the midfielder beyond the initial one-year extension they offered him, it’s clear that Gundogan is contemplating his future.
Whether he will choose the allure of Spain or the promise of a secure future at Arsenal remains to be seen but I think we all know how this is likely to go.
Mikel Arteta on Ilkay Gindogan
- Arsenal is showing significant interest in Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen the squad.
- Arsenal’s interest in Gundogan coincides with Granit Xhaka’s expected move to Bayer Leverkusen.
- Arteta has previously praised Gundogan’s abilities, emphasising his effective role at City.
Arteta, who worked with Gundogan during his coaching stint under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, has always admired the German’s skills and impact on the field.
Gundogan has proved his worth time and again at City, helping them clinch five Premier League titles since his arrival in 2016.
Gundogan has delivered nine goals and seven assists in all competitions this season, showing his importance to the City team. His exceptional performances in key matches, including braces against Leeds and Everton.
Last summer, Arsenal successfully secured the services of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City. It seems that they could follow a similar strategy with Gundogan while also being linked with Joao Cancelo.
Arteta’s admiration for Gundogan was evident in his comments back in 2021. He praised the German’s ability to adapt to a more advanced role at City, underlining his potential fit in Arsenal’s setup.
The Spaniard noted Gundogan’s exceptional box-to-box ability and excellent finishing skills, which could be critical to Arsenal’s midfield dynamics moving forward.