Pep Guardiola has raved about Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan amid links with a move to Arsenal.
Arsenal target Ilkay Gundogan has a ‘special mentality’ according to Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
Gundogan was the hero once again for City as they beat Manchester United 2-1 in Saturday afternoon’s FA Cup final.
The German smashed home a stunning volley with just 13 seconds on the clock, giving City the lead before some fans had even sat down.
United levelled it up from the penalty spot but Gundogan had the final say, again volleying home from the edge of the box to give City the win.
City have now secured the Premier League and FA Cup – it’s just the Champions League to go as they chase a stunning treble.
Gundogan’s recent form has been ridiculous, scoring braces against Leeds United, Everton and now Manchester United.
The 32-year-old will look to repeat the trick against Inter Milan next week, in what could be his final game for City.
Pep Guardiola hails Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan is out of contract this summer and City have so far been unable to secure a new contract with the midfielder.
That means clubs are now interested in snatching Gundogan for free, with Barcelona understood to be very keen.
Barca are offering a three-year deal but Arsenal have a contract proposal on the table too, according to Catalan newspaper Sport.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta worked with Gundogan at City and a reunion could now be on the horizon.
We saw Arteta pounce for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus last summer, so there is a precedent for Arteta wanting players he coached at City.
Gundogan would be quite the capture in light of Granit Xhaka’s expected departure and Pep Guaridola has now hailed the former Borussia Dortmund star.
Guardiola, as quoted by Sky Sports, suggested that Gundogan has all the skill in the world but it’s his ‘special mentality’ that sets him apart.
That’s the kind of attitude Arteta wants at Arsenal and the Gunners can land a major blow on City by securing Gundogan’s signature.
“What a season. The skills are there but it is the special mentality,” said Guardiola about Gundogan. “When you have these players who play the game like a friendly game, they handle the pressure like, OK, let’s have fun, you are becoming a good, good team. Otherwise, you cannot do it,” he added.
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