Big Blow for Arteta: “Outstanding” Arsenal long term pursuit snubs Gunners, now on verge of joining new club.

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Ilkay Gündogan, the coveted midfielder, appears to have slipped through Arsenal’s grasp as recent reports from Spain suggest that he is on the verge of choosing Barcelona as his next destination.

Gündogan’s agent is believed to be edging closer to confirming the deal, with an official agreement anticipated in the near future.

This development comes as a significant blow to Mikel Arteta and his youthful Arsenal side, as the acquisition of Gündogan would have made a substantial impact.

There were indications that Arsenal were nearing the completion of the transfer, as disclosed by Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker in his role as a pundit in Germany, as reported by The Mirror.

However, the Gunners’ hopes have been dashed, leaving Arteta disheartened by the missed opportunity.

The disappointment surrounding this missed signing is understandable, considering Gündogan’s exceptional talent.

Despite being 32 years old, the German midfielder is currently at the peak of his abilities, as demonstrated by his outstanding performances during the previous season.

In the 2022/23 campaign, Gündogan contributed an impressive tally of 11 goals and seven assists for Manchester City, along with numerous impactful displays, particularly in crucial moments.

One of his standout performances came in May against Everton, where he netted a remarkable brace that set City on course to clinch yet another league title.

Roy Keane, a revered figure from Manchester United’s history, was effusive in his praise of Gündogan, describing him as an “outstanding player” and “absolutely brilliant.” Such accolades from a former rival player underscore the midfielder’s exceptional abilities.

Given Gündogan’s extensive experience under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, and considering Arteta’s tutelage under Guardiola himself, it is evident that Gündogan would have seamlessly fit into the Arsenal setup.

With Gündogan now off the table, Arteta will likely shift his focus to alternative options. One player who has been consistently linked with the Gunners is Declan Rice of West Ham United.

Rice recently tasted success in the Conference League, and his performances have attracted interest from several Champions League-caliber clubs, including Manchester City, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.

As Arsenal potentially face the departure of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, rebuilding their midfield will be a significant task this summer. Alongside Rice, Romeo Lavia could potentially be another addition to bolster Arsenal’s midfield ranks.

Arsenal’s failure to secure the services of Ilkay Gündogan represents a disappointing setback for Mikel Arteta and his plans for the team.

The German maestro’s exceptional skills and experience would have undoubtedly elevated the Gunners’ squad. As they regroup, Arteta will now explore other options, with Declan Rice emerging as a prominent candidate.

The upcoming transfer period promises to be a challenging one for Arsenal as they aim to rebuild their midfield and strengthen their team ahead of the new season.