Report: Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan Edging Closer Etihad Exit
Manchester City captain, Ilkay Gundogan, is looking more likely that his future lies away from the Etihad Stadium.
Barcelona is close to agreeing on a deal with Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is out of contract this summer, according to reports in 90Min.
Gundogan has been vital to Pep Guardiola‘s side since his move from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. He has played just under 300 games for the reigning Premier League champions scoring 54 times across all competitions.
The Spanish giants have been on the trail of the German international for some time, with stories breaking in the summer transfer window regarding a potential move to the Catalan capital.
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This isn’t the only option for Gundogan, as both Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain have also been reported to be interested in acquiring the services of the 32-year-old.
Guardiola has previously indirectly mentioned he would like Gundogan to remain at the Etihad, and the Manchester club have offered him a new deal. Still, Guardiola will not force the player to stay as per his usual stance around any player that wishes to move on.
Whatever happens will be down to Gundogan, with Guardiola giving him the green light to leave with his best wishes after helping Manchester City to the final day victory against Aston Villa, which confirmed their second Premier League title in a row and fourth under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.
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“I think I know my opinion about Ilkay,” Guardiola said back in February.
“What Ilkay has done against Aston Villa last season [scoring the two late goals], he can do whatever he wants.
“He has the paradise already. So he knows exactly my opinion about him.
“The club knows it, and it is a question for him and his agent. What is going to happen, I’m pretty sure, is going to be good for him.”
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