Shaka Hislop has told Manchester City to ‘meet’ Ilkay Gundogan’s demands as Arsenal express transfer interest in the Treble-winning midfielder.
The 32-year-old’s contract expires this month and it’s not yet clear whether he will sign a new deal or is open to a new chapter in his trophy-laden career.
It doesn’t get much better than winning the Treble and Hislop described Ilkay Gundogan as a ‘vital’ cog of that dominant wheel Pep Guardiola has built at Manchester City, as he told ESPN.
Some would argue, why would you leave Man City? You are getting the best football education in the world and you are near-on guaranteed a trophy, or in this season’s case, a staggering three.
But, on the other hand, what a way to bow out. A club legend. Your final ball was kicked in a European Cup final. And as a Treble winner – Rio Ferdinand also thinks the ‘very calm’ Gundogan won’t be going to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta worked with the goalscoring midfielder at the Etihad and he knows too well what the German international is capable of, hence his interest in the quick-thinking star, with former Premier League goalkeeper Hislop telling Man City to offer the player what he wants.
“I would ask him what he wants and meet it, in all honesty,” said Hislop. “Whenever everybody else is having an off-day, Gundogan seems to be the one you can always rely on.
“I see Gundogan as being vital. We are talking about building on a legacy and until you identify that next player to fill that role, you have got to keep hold of what you have got.
“At the same time, Gundogan has got his own decision to make.”
Arsenal waiting in the wings for Gundogan
It seems as though Arteta is looking to bring in a few faces to his midfield, as he aims to boost his squad that can challenge and win the Premier League title.
Declan Rice is the one making the headlines, but it seems as though West Ham have rejected Arsenal’s opening offer for the player, as reported by Sky Sports.
The dream scenario for Arteta is to have Rice, Gundogan and Moises Caicedo through the doors this summer, if that happens, then things could become very interesting for the Gunners next season.
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