Barcelona, Arsenal 'interested in signing Ilkay Gundogan this summer'

Barcelona and Arsenal are reportedly both interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan during this summer's transfer window.

The Germany international's contract at Etihad Stadium is due to expire next June, and the Citizens are allegedly not planning to offer him an extension.

As a result, the 31-year-old is set to be available for transfer in the upcoming market despite again being an important player for Pep Guardiola's side during the 2021-22 campaign.

Gundogan has featured on 42 occasions in all competitions for the Citizens this term, scoring eight times and contributing six assists in the process.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the midfielder's representatives are currently in talks with Man City over a potential summer exit.

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Romano claims that a number of German clubs are interested in Gundogan, while Barcelona are also keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding his future.

Arsenal are also believed to be in the hunt for the midfielder, but the Gunners would have to secure Champions League football for next season to stand a chance of signing him.

Mikel Arteta's side were in pole position to secure fourth spot in the Premier League table when they beat Leeds United 2-1 on May 8, but the North London club have lost their last two games to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, which has left them fifth in the table, two points behind fourth-placed Spurs, who only need a point against basement side Norwich City on Sunday to secure fourth.

Gundogan has scored six goals and registered three assists in 26 Premier League appearances this season, while he provided two assists in 10 Champions League outings, as Guardiola's side reached the semi-finals of the competition.

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The Germany international has scored 47 goals and registered 33 assists in 252 appearances for the Citizens since making the move from Dortmund in July 2016.

The midfielder's most productive season at the club came during the 2020-21 campaign, when he scored 17 goals and registered five assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.

Gundogan has won three Premier League titles, one FA Cup and four League Cups during his time in Manchester, and he could land a fourth Premier League trophy this weekend, as the Citizens bid to keep hold of first spot in the table ahead of Liverpool.

Barcelona could be in the market for a new midfielder this summer if Frenkie de Jong leaves the club, and Man City are believed to be interested in signing the Netherlands international.

A decision on Gundogan's future could allegedly be made next week, once Man City have ended their 2021-22 Premier League campaign.