Breaking: Manchester City £140,000 a-week star eyeing shock move to Arsenal next season.
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Ilkay Gündogan, the influential 32-year-old midfielder, played a crucial role in Manchester City’s resounding 3-0 victory over Everton, with his sublime brace propelling the team one step closer to clinching the coveted Premier League title.
However, despite his exceptional performance on the pitch, there are lingering doubts about his future in the blue jersey under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola. According to reputable German publication Sport Bild, the situation appears uncertain.
Manchester City finds themselves on the cusp of achieving a historic treble, with their sights set on securing a place in the illustrious Champions League final in Istanbul on the 10th of June.
Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg against Real Madrid, City has an opportunity to progress further in the competition. In addition, a week prior to the European clash, they are set to face their local rivals, Manchester United, in the highly anticipated FA Cup final at Wembley on the 3rd of June.
Guardiola, ever the optimist, remains hopeful about Gündogan’s future at the club, emphasizing his personal desire to retain the services of the German maestro for the upcoming season. This sentiment echoes City’s approach with former captain Fernandinho, who was granted a one-year contract extension for the 2021/22 campaign.
The player himself, along with his uncle and advisor Ilhan Gündogan, has engaged in several discussions with the club but has thus far declined the offer of a one-year extension. They are instead seeking a more long-term contract, a demand that has piqued the interest of FC Barcelona, who are prepared to present an enticing proposition to Gündogan, given his imminent availability as a free agent.
A significant development worth noting is the change in Premier League regulations, which now permits Gündogan to enter into negotiations with other English clubs from the 20th of June. This was previously prohibited by a rule that imposed a six-week ban before the expiration of a player’s contract.
Arsenal London, a team vying for the title, has emerged as a potential suitor for the midfielder. The Gunners’ manager, Mikel Arteta, shares a good rapport with Gündogan from their time together at Manchester City, adding an intriguing dimension to the situation.
While FC Bayern Munich, a club with a rich midfield repertoire boasting the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Ryan Gravenberch, will not join the race for Gündogan’s signature, a return to his former club Borussia Dortmund seems financially implausible at this stage.
In light of these recent developments, Gündogan’s future hangs in the balance. Will he opt to remain at Manchester City, or will he succumb to the allure of joining the Gunners? Only time will provide the answer to this pressing question, as both the player and the clubs involved navigate the intricate dance of negotiations and aspirations.