Manchester City star can leave for just £17 million this summer amid interest from Arsenal: Reports
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will reportedly be allowed to leave if the club receives bids of around £17 million for the German, with Arsenal linked with the player.
Gundogan, 31, joined City in 2016 from Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund for £24.3 million. He has found success at the Eithad, lifting the Premier League four times alongside the FA Cup on one occasion. His most recent campaign with the Cityzens drew to a close with Gundogan having been key to the side's final day comeback victory over Aston Villa.
The 31-year-old was introduced during the second half and scored two goals, which led to Manchester City staging a 3-2 comeback win after being 2-0 down against Villa. City would have ceded the Premier League trophy to Liverpool had they dropped points against Steven Gerrard's side.
However, there is uncertainty over the future of the German midfielder, whose contract with City expires in 2023. According to the Mirror, Arsenal are reportedly interested in the player.
#MCFC
Talks ongoing between Gündoğan agents and Manchester City board. No discussion about new deal - just about his future with serious chances to leave the club. 🔵 #MCFC
His trip to Madrid was not linked to his future. Barça, German clubs and Arsenal [depends on UCL] interested. https://t.co/IQxH3XH1CH
According to Jeunes Footeux (via HITC), City are willing to listen to offers for Gundogan for around £17 million.
Despite the German's contributions to Manchester City's Premier League title win, his season hasn't matched the heights he reached during the 2020-21 campaign.
Gundogan played a huge part in the side's Premier League title victory last season and their run to the Champions League final, scoring 17 goals in the process.
This season was not always easy for me, but I am happy and proud of my achievement and my amazing team. Thanks to all the fans and enjoy the summer ⚽🔥 https://t.co/FSYJBDDArk
The midfielder has made 253 appearances, scoring 49 goals and contributing 33 assists during his time at the Etihad.
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan may flourish under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
Ilkay Gundogan and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta are familiar with one another, with the latter having been part of Pep Guardiola's backroom staff at City for three years.
Arteta has seen first-hand the development of the German, who has been given a more attacking role in recent years. The Spaniard has previously heaped praise on the midfielder, telling reporters last year (via Football London):
“Well, I think now he’s playing a higher role in the team. He’s always had the ability to arrive in the box and has great timing and great qualities to finish the actions.
He continued:
“Before, he played a deeper role and he had the license to do that. He’s a tremendous player and he’s doing really, really well this season.”
Mikel Arteta on Ilkay Gundogan:
“Playing in short spaces, one touch, knowing where every one of his teammates are, he’s the best.”
[Cuaderno De Manchester via @TheAthleticUK] https://t.co/69jxaTXILT
It will be interesting to see how the Gunners boss looks to use Gundogan if he does move to the Emirates this summer.
One Manchester City teammate who may join him at Arsenal this summer is Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus. The 25-year-old is reportedly a target for Arteta and The Athletic reports the forward is thought to be open to the move.