Arsenal are one of the clubs that have identified midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as a potential option in the summer transfer window.
This is according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has been speaking about the 31-year-old’s future on the Here We Go podcast.
Would you like Gundogan at Arsenal?
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Romano’s comments come amid the German midfielder’s reported need to find a new club in the summer, with Manchester City chiefs believed to want him out this summer.
The German will end the 2021/22 campaign with one final year remaining on his current deal with City, but Romano does not believe there have been any discussions over a contract renewal.
And having checked with his sources, Romano believes Arsenal are one of the clubs with the German on their radar as City discuss his future with the 31-year-old.
He said: “I can tell you that I was checking [Tuesday] morning from sources. And the answer I’m receiving is that there are talks ongoing between Gundogan and Manchester City. For sure, it is a possibility for Gundogan to leave the club at the end of the current season.
“He is out of contract in June 2023. But there are no discussions ongoing between Gundogan and Man City to extend the contract. So no talks between Gundogan and Man City on money, on the contract.
“Some clubs are already waiting for his decision because, first point, it was reported about his trip to Madrid yesterday [Monday] – it’s true he was in Madrid, but for personal stuff – was not linked to the transfer market.
“But clubs like Barcelona, clubs like Arsenal – but now it’s difficult for them to get Champions League football, so it could be complicated. But many clubs, even in the Bundesliga, are waiting for Gundogan to make his decision because it could be a big opportunity in the market.”
TIF Thoughts on Romano’s comments…
We think this is certainly a player who could improve Mikel Arteta’s starting XI at the Emirates Stadium, with the German midfielder potentially being a good replacement for Granit Xhaka, who has been linked with a move away.
Gundogan has had a relatively quiet campaign with just 26 appearances in the league, but has returned six goals and three assists – seven fewer than last season.
So the 31-year-old would certainly be able to provide a greater attacking threat than Arsenal’s Swiss midfielder, who has just half the goal involvements of the City ace this term.
In other news: ‘I’m told…’ – Fabrizio Romano reveals big Aaron Hickey update at Arsenal