James Olley recently reported for ESPN that Arsenal have offered a contract to Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who is yet to make a decision over whether he’ll stay with the club or leave on a free transfer.
German outlet SPORT1 report that Gundogan will make a decision on his future in the coming days, with Arsenal, FC Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain all in the race.
The same outlet carries quotes from Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker, from his appearance on TV for the Champions League final.
“I think the clubs are queuing,” Mertesacker said. “Arsenal are in a good position. Because Arteta knows him and we probably haven’t broken off contact, we’re in a good position.
“I think he’ll let it all sink in first and then choose from one of the four clubs.”
Ahead of the Champions League final, Gundogan’s agent spoke out to deny reports of a new deal for the player at Manchester City.
“Nothing has been agreed with City or any other club,” Ilhan Gundogan told Fabrizio Romano. “The recent reports are not true. Ilkay is only focused on the final.”
Now that the final is in the past, you’d think the matter of Gundogan’s future will be brought into sharper focus.
When Gundogan does sit down with City to negotiate, it appears the primary stumbling block is City’s intention to sign him up to a one-year deal.
ESPN claim City are only offering a 12-month contract, with Barcelona prepared to hand the midfielder a two-year deal, and little clarity over Arsenal’s potential offer.
David Ornstein reports that Mikel Arteta has identified Gundogan as the ideal replacement for Granit Xhaka, assuming Xhaka joins Bayer Leverkusen.
Gundogan’s experience is viewed as a valuable asset to Arsenal, but City haven’t given up hope of convincing him to extend.
They’ll attempt to reach a compromise, perhaps involving an initial one-year deal with a 12-month option on top of that.
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. He then scored a brace in the FA Cup final and played the full Champions League final as well.
In total, the midfielder made 51 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 11 goals and assisting seven. He’s also City’s club captain.
