ESPN report that Manchester City are so far only willing to offer Ilkay Gundogan a one-year extension, as the midfielder considers his future. As it stands, his deal is up this summer.
Barcelona are prepared to hand the midfielder a two-year deal, whilst it’s reportedly unclear what Arsenal are ready to offer.
But ESPN confirm that the Gunners are indeed interested in the signing if Gundogan fails to agree terms with City.
Gundogan’s experience is viewed as a valuable asset to Arsenal, but City haven’t given up hope of convincing him to extend.
They’re attempting to reach a compromise, perhaps involving an initial one-year deal with a 12-month option on top of that.
David Ornstein reported earlier this week that Mikel Arteta has identified Gundogan as the ideal replacement for Granit Xhaka, should the Swiss international depart for Bayer Leverkusen this summer as expected.
Arsenal reportedly hold a concrete interest in the midfielder, and as it stands, the situation remains open.
The Guardian added that Gundogan could be tempted to work with Arteta again, and that the length of a potential deal could prove pivotal.
According to the Guardian, the 32-year-old would want at least two guaranteed years to remain in Manchester. That suggests that the current offer from City, per ESPN’s report, would be unsatisfactory.
Gundogan ended up proving pivotal for Manchester City in this season’s title race, scoring five goals in six games from the start of April onwards.
In total, the midfielder has made 48 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals and assisting seven. He’s also City’s club captain.
It would certainly be a coup for Arsenal to lure Gundogan away from City on a free transfer, damaging a rival whilst boosting their own title chances.
With Xhaka likely leaving, it’s also important that the Gunners do make at least a couple of top midfield signings this summer.
The Premier League’s retained lists are published in early June, so we’re likely to get some sort of update on Gundogan’s future by then.
