The German international, Ilkay Gundogan joined Dortmund on a four-year contract in the summer of 2011 from FC Nurnberg and has gone on to make over 50 league appearances for the German club. The midfielder has entered into his third season at the Signal Iduna Park, and has won the Bundesliga title as well as DFB Pokal in his debut season for the club.

However, he caught the eye only last season when his impressive performances led Dortmund all the way to the final of the Champions League, although they failed to overcome the last hurdle and ultimately lost 2-1 to fellow German rivals Bayern Munich. He was particularly impressive in the semi-finals when Dortmund beat Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate, a game in which Robert Lewandowski scored all four goals.

According to the Daily Mail, Gundogan is living on borrowed time in the Bundesliga as a host of top clubs are interested in his services. The 23-year-old is a target for Arsene Wenger, despite a plethora of midfielders at his services.

Arsenal do not have any midfielder who can link up play with the defence and build from the back, much like how Alex Song used to do prior to his move to Barcelona. Song provided 14 assists in his final season and if Wenger can find a talent in January who can create chances from the holding midfield role, Arsenal could indeed have an even better season.

However, Gundogan has attracted interest from Manchester United, who are on the lookout for a central midfielder in January. David Moyes has been criticized for his failure to attract top stars last summer with his only signing Marouane Fellaini unable to adapt at Old Trafford thus far.

The report suggests than Spanish duo Barcelona and Real Madrid are also closely monitoring Gundogan, who has one and a half years left on his current deal. Both clubs are planning a hefty increase to his current wages of £25,000-a-week in order to lure him to Spain.