Arsenal have now suffered a huge blow to their hopes of signing Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan in a free transfer. The midfielder has decided to sign for FC Barcelona.
That is according to Sport, which reports that Gundogan has refused a new contract at the Etihad Stadium. He intends to leave the Premier League at the end of the season when his existing deal expires. The 32-year-old is keen to start a new adventure away from England.
Gundogan’s decision to leave Manchester City has encouraged Barcelona to advance their interest in a Bosman transfer. The La Liga leaders met his agent/uncle, Ihan Gundogan, on Thursday. Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff now believe a deal is very close to being agreed.
Arsenal suffer a huge blow as Gundogan decides to join Barcelona
Barcelona’s latest meeting with Gundogan’s agent has raised confidence in the Manchester City star signing a two-year contract. His deal at Camp Nou will also be worth €12m-a-year (£206k-a/w) gross and include an optional third season. He makes £165k-a/w at the Etihad.
Gundogan’s decision to join Barcelona will come as a blow for Arsenal, having also targeted his transfer from Manchester City. Sport reported this March that Mikel Arteta was rivalling Xavi Hernandez for the German. But his preference was already on sealing a move to Spain.
Manchester City will lose Gundogan in a free transfer after seven years
Barcelona are about to beat Arsenal to a free transfer for Gundogan as the Manchester City star, whom Jurgen Klopp called ‘unbelievable’ in 2021, can play anywhere in their midfield. Xavi likes the £21m former Borussia Dortmund star’s skills in attacking and defensive roles.
Gundogan has shown his box-to-box credentials since leaving the Westfalenstadion in 2016 as Pep Guardiola’s first signing for Manchester City. The 66-cap international’s efforts have also returned four Premier League titles, four EFL Cup trophies and the FA Cup crown once.
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