Amidst strong competition, Arsenal have thrown their hat in the ring for Manchester City midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan.

As the player’s contract reaches its end, Mikel Arteta is keen to secure the experienced player to boost his squad.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on March 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 11: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City reacts during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park on March 11, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s pursuit of Gundogan

In the midfield hunt

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City scores their sides second goal past Emi Martinez of Aston Villa from the penalty spotduring the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on January 20, 2021 in Manchester, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Ilkay Gundogan of Manchester City scores their sides second goal past Emi Martinez of Aston Villa from the penalty spotduring the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on January 20, 2021 (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Ilkay Gundogan, the influential midfielder for Manchester City, is out of contract and a hot property on the transfer market.

With interest from a number of clubs, Arsenal have joined the chase for the German’s signature.

The Gunners, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, have reportedly put forward a two-year contract offer in hopes of securing Gundogan’s experience and skill for their midfield.

Barcelona’s persuasions and Man City’s resistance

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)

Despite Arsenal’s enticing proposal, the club faces strong competition from Barcelona.

With an offer of three years and a potential change of scenery, the Spanish giants present an alluring prospect for Gundogan.

Meanwhile, the Manchester City camp, led by Pep Guardiola, is making a robust effort to keep Gundogan in the team, offering a new deal with improved financial terms.

A final decision on the horizon

Manchester City's German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring the team's fourth goal with Manchester City's Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (C) 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 PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester City’s German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan (R) celebrates scoring the team’s fourth goal with Manchester City’s Norwegian striker Erling Haaland (C) 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 PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite interest from multiple teams, including a potential big-money offer from a club in Saudi Arabia, Gundogan’s decision is yet to be made.

The Champions League final on Saturday could play a significant part in his choice, as Manchester City competes against Inter Milan.

The outcome of this match, and the potential of a change of league, could determine whether Gundogan chooses Arsenal, Barcelona, or opts for a renewed stay at Manchester City.