Ilkay Gundogan has admitted that he has endured a difficult season at Manchester City despite securing the Premier League title – amid interest from Arsenal. The Germany midfielder is being linked with a summer exit.
City confirmed their fourth Premier League win in five years with a 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa. Pep Guardiola brought Gundogan off the bench, and the ex-Dortmund star scored a brace in a crazy five minutes.
Either side of a Rodri goal, it was Gundogan that changed the game and saw City go on to win the match. But his long-term future at The Etihad is now in doubt, with the midfielder entering the last 12 months of his current deal.
Reports claimed earlier this month that City are open to his exit, before further news stated Arsenal want to sign him. Now, Gundogan has admitted there were times during the season that were “not always easy for me”.
Gundogan admits to difficult season with Arsenal interested
The 31-year-old proved, just in the match against Villa, that he is still crucial to City and Guardiola. The Spaniard’s first-ever signing at Manchester City for a bargain fee of £21million (Mail), he still played 43 times this season.
The 56-time Germany international had a hand in 16 goals – scoring 10 and creating six. Yes, he is getting on a bit – turning 32 in October. It would be unwise for City to give him a new long-term contract at the Etihad.
But they would be just as unwise not to keep him, and strengthen another top-six side in Arsenal. City are best off, either keeping him until his deal ends – or handing him a one-year extension. He is still important to City.
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