Anton Toloui has shared that Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez has been calling Arsenal transfer target and Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan ‘many times’.
The Sky Sports reporter shared how Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are ‘interested’ in signing the Treble-winning midfielder, with his Manchester City contract running down at the end of the month.
But it seems as though, Xavi Hernandez is also keen to bring him on board, with Pep Guardiola suggesting that Ilkay Gundogan would be an ‘extraordinary signing’ for Barcelona, as reported by transfer expert Anton Toloui on Sky Sports News.
Prior to the 2022/23 season coming to a close, there was interest in Gundogan’s services, but during these past few weeks, it would have just sky-rocketed because of what he achieved.
You can’t get any higher than winning the Treble in English football and, not only has the German international added that to his CV, but he has also played a major part in it all given the crucial goals he has scored.
It must be a great feeling as a footballer that you have so many admirers in Guardiola, Xavi and Mikel Arteta because that’s exactly where Gundogan stands.
“Pep Guardiola was asked about Gundogan,” said Toloui. “He said ‘look, I hope he stays with us’. And that has been Pep’s message all season.
“But he did go on further and say ‘if he did go to Barcelona, then he will be an extraordinary signing’, so he mentioned Barca by name and also mentioned Xavi by name by saying ‘Xavi has called him many times’.
“He openly admits that there are other clubs interested. Huge clubs are interested. We know Arsenal are also interested in Ilkay Gundogan as well.”
Gundogan is one of the Premier League’s best
With one of the best footballing brains in the Premier League, it’s no surprise that Arteta and Xavi are so keen on bringing the 32-year-old on board this summer.
The £165k-a-week player can play across the midfield and is reliable, both in a defensive and attacking aspect, with Owen Hargreaves recently labelling the player as ‘fabulous’.
Whatever call Gundogan makes during these next few weeks, the club that will land his talents will be getting a top, top technician, who still has plenty more to offer.
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