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Premier League runners-up Arsenal are interested in signing Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan this summer, who is weighing his future options as his contract runs out.
The German’s contract expires this summer, and he may depart the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer.
Catalan powerhouse Barcelona have been linked with a move for him if new terms cannot be reached at Man City and the German midfielder is reported to be interested in making the switch.
Gundogan Could Complete Gunners Midfield Overhaul
The Gunners are planning a midfield overhaul in the upcoming transfer window, with Swiss international Granit Xhaka among those who could depart the club.
Bayer Leverkusen would like to bring him back to Germany and have been heavily linked with making a move for the combative midfielder.
Gundogan is reportedly among Arsenal’s potential replacements should Xhaka depart.
The Athletic reports that the Gunners have a concrete interest in the former Borussia Dortmund star, with Mikel Arteta spearheading the club’s efforts to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking last month, the player suggested that no decision had been taken over his future.
“There are talks in the background,” Gundogan said.
“That’s normal with just a couple of months left but without going too much into detail there is nothing decided yet from my side or the club’s side so the talks are continuing,” he explained.
“If there’s a decision, you guys will be the first ones to know,” the Man City captain said.
Gundogan is not the only City player linked to a transfer to Arsenal this summer. According to previous reports, the North London club is contemplating a move for former City fullback Joao Cancelo.
After being permitted to join Bayern Munich on loan in January, his future under Pep Guardiola remains uncertain.
There is reported to be little likelihood that the German titans will pursue a permanent agreement and given Cancelo’s poor relationship with Guardiola, it’s likely he will depart the Etihad permanently this summer.
Arsenal To Raid Man City For Second Consecutive Summer?
Should Arsenal make a move for the City duo, it would be the second consecutive summer in which they would negotiate with title rivals Manchester City.
Last summer, the Gunners executed a £75 million double raid on the Etihad by acquiring striker Gabriel Jesus and the versatile Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Gundogan is not expected to be Arsenal’s only midfielder target this summer. Declan Rice continues to be linked to a transfer away from West Ham as the side look to improve their squad depth and challenge for the league again next season.
The England international has been a long-term target for the Gunners and has just one year remaining on his contract. He scored in what could have been his final game at the London Stadium, as West Ham defeated Leeds 3-1 over the weekend.
Mason Mount of Chelsea has also been linked with a move. He also has just one year remaining on his contract, and Arsenal are reportedly determined to acquire both England internationals.
If Gundogan were to also join the North London club then Arsenal would have a midfield depth that would have to be seriously reckoned with by their title rivals.
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