Ilkay Gundogan is ‘set to snub a move to Barcelona and commit his future to Man City’

Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan is poised to snub a move to Barcelona and commit his future to the Premier League champions, according to reports. 

The German international had been linked with a move away from the Etihad in summer, with Spanish giants Barcelona leading the race to sign him.

Gundogan, who is out of contract at the end of the season, had showed no interest in signing a contract extension that had reportedly been offered to him.

However, now, it seems that the midfielder has reconsidered his options and is now open to penning a new long-term deal at the Etihad.

According to the Times, Gundogan was offered a two-year deal, with the option of a further year, at Barcelona ahead of his expected free transfer in the summer.

Pep Guardiola had previously said he was unsure what decision Gundogan would make

However, the German is now favouring an extension at City and the club are willing to offer him a longer deal than the one-year contract they’d previously suggested.

Gundogan has played 48 times in all competitions this season, scoring nine goals – four of which in recent weeks, with crucial doubles in a 3-0 win against Everton and a 2-1 win against Leeds.

Speaking after the Everton victory, manager Pep Guardiola seemed to suggest that he was unsure of what decision Gundogan would make over his future.

The City boss said: ‘Nobody knows what is going to happen, maybe he will stay hopefully. He can show again and again and again the quality and importance and his commitment, to all of us, to the club.

‘Not just scoring goals, now he has his momentum. Against Leeds he was the player and again (against Everton). He can do everything and everything well. He doesn’t talk much but when he talks everyone listens and this is the power of the leader.

‘He shows his leadership in every training session, arriving on time, living 24 hours your job and play like he is playing… he is so clever and he is a guy who handles the pressure well.’

City clinched the Premier League title on Saturday night, after Arsenal’s defeat at Nottingham Forest ensured the league leaders could not be caught. 

Barcelona boss Xavi had been leading the race to sign Gundogan on a free transfer in summer

And, in the aftermath, Gundogan took time to thank staff, team-mates and supporters in helping City claim their third Premier League title in a row.

Gundogan said: ‘To have helped the Club win a third straight Premier League title is something very special.

‘The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is. This squad is so talented and so special and to have been captain this season has been an enormous privilege.’

 ‘I would also like to thank Pep, all the backroom staff and everyone who works across this football club. Every single day they help provide us as players with everything we need in order to try to be successful. There is no way we could have won this title without all their support.’