FC Barcelona are currently aiming to strengthen their squad for the next season, especially focusing on bringing reinforcements for their midfield. One of the major targets of the Catalan club this summer is Ilkay Gundogan, whose contract at Manchester City runs out this summer.
The midfielder is currently facing an uncertain future, as he has been a part of the Manchester City squad for a number of seasons, but now he is unable to agree to a contract extension with the club. As previously reported, the midfielder wanted a longer contract, but Manchester City was offering only a single-year extension.
Latest reports indicate that the Manchester side has now offered a three-year contract to the German at his current salary, which would be highly appealing for the player. However, Gundogan is still contemplating his options, and nothing has been signed yet.
Owing to this contract situation, other clubs have become interested in the German international. FC Barcelona were leading the race for his signature previously, but now Arsenal have also entered the race and are pushing strongly to get the midfielder.
In this regard, SPORT reports that the London-based club is willing to go all in for the signature of the experienced midfielder. The current head coach at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, is particularly in awe of the midfielder and is personally pushing the club to make all possible efforts for the signature of the German international.
Arteta has already worked with Gundogan, as his previous stint as an assistant coach at Manchester City brought him in regular contact with the player. Arsenal are also facing the potential exit of Granit Xhaka at the end of the current season, and their pursuit of Gundogan is particularly important for them as he would replace the departing midfielder.
Despite these increased efforts of the Gunners to get the midfielder and City’s improved offer, FC Barcelona remain confident that they will get Gundogan in this summer transfer window. The Catalans have already offered him a contract of two seasons with the option of a further third season. He has also given verbal approval to Barcelona, but nothing has been signed as yet.
