Italian outlet CMW claim that Manchester City could organise a swap deal with Juventus involving Ilkay Gundogan and Brazilian midfielder Arthur – a player that has long been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Gundogan, 31, has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Manchester City. He has fallen down the pecking order somewhat, especially with Manchester City bringing in Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United this summer.
City may feel they have to sell a few players this summer, and Gundogan is likely to be a casualty given his contract situation. The Germany international has been strongly linked with a move to Juventus this summer.
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The report claims that Juventus and Manchester City could come to the arrangement of a swap deal – but not a direct swap. Juventus will pay £25million for Gundogan, while City are said to be willing to stump up £34million for Arthur.
It would see Arthur finally move to the Premier League, then. However, it would not be with Arsenal – despite interest from the Gunners remaining this summer. Some reports say they are even considering a swap with Gabriel.
Manchester City could organise swap involving Gundogan and Arthur
First things first, Arsenal desperately need a midfielder. They lack depth in holding midfield and both Edu and Mikel Arteta are long-term admirers of Arthur. They certainly need him more than Manchester City do.
But if Gundogan does leave, then he will need replacing. Phillips and Arthur are similar in the sense they can cover Rodrigo but also player slightly further forward. He has struggled at Juventus, but he is a good signing as back-up.
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