Fabrizio Romano reports that Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan will make a decision on his future soon, amid outside interest from Barcelona, Arsenal, and Saudi Arabian clubs, and an extension offer to stay in Manchester.
According to Romano, City are offering Gundogan a one-year deal with an option to extend for a further year, whilst Barcelona are proposing a three-year contract.
It’s not clear what kind of deal Arsenal are offering, but James Olley recently reported for ESPN that Arsenal have indeed made a contract offer as well.
German outlet SPORT1 also put Paris Saint-Germain in the race for the signing, though Romano and ESPN made no mention of the perennial French champions.
Arsenal academy manager Per Mertesacker spoke about the possibility of an Arsenal move during his TV appearance for the Champions League final at the weekend.
“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.
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.
The midfielder 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.
