Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have been linked with Ilkay Gundogan, but Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he does not want the midfielder to leave in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal linked with Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan is out of contract at defending Premier League champions Manchester City at the end of the season, and Arsenal are among the clubs linked with the midfielder.
According to a report in Spanish publication SPORT in March, Arsenal are trying to sign Gundogan on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.
The report claimed interest in the German star from Barcelona as well.
However, City manager Guardiola has made it clear that he wants the midfielder to stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond the end of the season.
The former Barcelona head coach has publicly said that he has told City to sort out a deal with the 32-year-old.
Pep Guardiola’s stance
Guardiola said about Gundogan on BBC Sport: “He doesn’t talk much but when he does everybody listens, this is the power of a leader.
“He shows every training session his leadership, arriving on time, living the job. He can play holding midfield defensively too in games like against Burnley last season when you need physicality.
“He is so intelligent, so clever and can handle the pressure really well.”
The City boss added: ”I told the club. Nobody knows what will happen. Hopefully he will stay.”
Arsenal summer transfer unlikely
In our view, Ilkay Gundogan is not going to join Arsenal in the summer transfer window.
Gundogan has been a huge success at City over the years, and we do not think that he will move to another Premier League club.
With Barcelona keen on the 32-year-old, the midfielder is likely to switch to Camp Nou if indeed he does not sign a new contract with City, who now look set to win the Premier League title this season.
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