As the summer transfer window looms, Arsenal’s prospect of securing Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan seems increasingly unlikely, with AC Milan reportedly leading the race for the star player’s signature.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03: Ilkay Guendogan of Manchester City celebrates with the FA Cup Trophy after the team's victory during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on June 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 03: Ilkay Guendogan of Manchester City celebrates with the FA Cup Trophy after the team’s victory during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on June 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
  • Ilkay Gundogan, Man City’s captain, is reportedly in talks with AC Milan as his contract nears its end.
  • Despite interest from Arsenal, a move to Italy appears to be Gundogan’s most likely option at present.
  • Arsenal and Barcelona both risk losing out on securing the in-demand player’s services.

As the end of Ilkay Gundogan’s contract with Manchester City draws near, rumours have been swirling about his next destination.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03: Ilkay Guendogan of Manchester City celebrates with the FA Cup Trophy after the team's victory during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on June 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 03: Ilkay Guendogan of Manchester City celebrates with the FA Cup Trophy after the team’s victory during the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on June 03, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

According to Corriere dello Sport, Gundogan, who has been a pivotal figure in Pep Guardiola’s side, is in advanced talks with AC Milan.

Despite interest from other big clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona, a move to the Serie A giants seems to be the most plausible scenario for the German midfielder.

AC Milan is reportedly at the forefront of the race for the Man City captain, whose outstanding performances and impressive track record have caught the attention of many European clubs.

Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan poses with the Premier League trophy on the pitch after the presentation ceremony following the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west England, on May 21, 2023. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City’s German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan poses with the Premier League trophy on the pitch after the presentation ceremony following the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north-west England, on May 21, 2023. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

In his 303 appearances for the Blues, Gundogan has netted 60 goals and provided 40 assists, playing a key role in securing five league titles for the club and scoring City’s two goals as they beat United in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Although Arsenal have been linked with Gundogan, their chances of landing the German international seem to be fading.

Arsenal transfers - TOPSHOT - Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring the team's fourth goal with Manchester City's English midfielder Jack Grealish during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match between Manchester City and RB Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 14, 2023. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Manchester City’s German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal with Manchester City’s English midfielder Jack Grealish during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second-leg football match between Manchester City and RB Leipzig at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 14, 2023. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s hopes of securing Gundogan’s services will also be impacted by Man City’s final game. The 32-year-old player is not expected to make a decision until after Man City’s final season-defining match –  the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

Gundogan’s future remains uncertain. His potential departure from Man City, despite his instrumental role in the team’s success over the past three seasons, has left many fans perplexed.

Nevertheless, wherever Gundogan ends up, he is expected to leave a strong impact on his new team, just as he did at the Etihad.