Spanish newspaper SPORT claim that Arsenal want to sign Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer but the midfielder is keen on a move to Spain – a country he is yet to play in. His contract at City ends in the summer.
Gundogan, 32, is just 10 games away from clocking up an enormous 300 games for City. It comes after becoming the club’s first signing of the Pep Guardiola era, and living near the City manager. But, he looks as if he will be leaving.
That is despite the 66-time Germany star playing 37 times in league and cup, starting 31 of those. Gundogan is a top player with plenty still to give, even if he does not start week in, week out – even though he has done this season.
Such is his continued form, Gundogan is keeping the likes of Kalvin Phillips out of the Manchester City side. But he may follow Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus to The Emirates, on a free. Arsenal want to sign the ex-Dortmund ace.
However, the report claims that Gundogan wants to try something different and head to Spanish football. Gundogan wants a two-year deal at City but that is not forthcoming and Barcelona are keen. He is on a £165,000-a-week deal.
Arsenal want to sign Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan on a free
The Gunners will be looking to invest in their midfield this summer. Jorginho was signed as competition for Thomas Partey. But, the Gunners require competition for Granit Xhaka this summer. Gundogan is perfect for that Xhaka role.
That kind of no.6 that moves back into a defensive shape when without the ball, but is getting forward to have a hand in both goals and assists in the final third. So, on a free, he is a smart signing – but he is 32, not a long-term signing.
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