Arsenal are “trying to sign” Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, according to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein.
The journalist claims that manager Mikel Arteta is the one driving the Gunners’ interest in the German international, who could be available on a free transfer this summer if he opts against signing a new contract with his current club:
🚨 Arsenal trying to sign Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan. Arteta wants 32yo if Xhaka goes. Fresh attempts will be made to keep him at #MCFC + other options. #AFC additionally pushing hard for Rice & Mount + renewed efforts to secure Nwaneri @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/HHJY2QRmsF
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 22, 2023
While most fans on Twitter agree that Gundogan would be a good addition to the squad, some don’t believe that he would swap the Etihad for the Emirates:
For clutch moments and squad depth? Hell yeah.
— That Gooner Bun ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽 (@KinshukaLucrin) May 22, 2023
Not happening
— Prasad Joshi (@prahappy) May 22, 2023
YES. PLEASE.
— Connor Moore (@CDROMGAMiiNGAFC) May 22, 2023
What hell has to freeze over for this?
— Akshobh Giridharadas (@Akshobh) May 22, 2023
perfect short term profile for our LCM, while assessing what is going to happen to both Patino and ESR. would be a perfect mentor for ESR if Arteta decided to keep him.
— Bach Runner 2023: Relapse (@barkanone) May 22, 2023
Can’t see it. Surely if he’s leaving *them*, he’s going abroad. Or not leaving at all.
— Paddy O’Brien (@Paddy__Paddy) May 22, 2023
my absolute dream and has been for years
— Will🍇 (@nalibanimle) May 22, 2023
A lot will depend on whether City and Gundogan can reach an agreement over a contract extension. Reports suggest that the 32-year-old is keen on getting more than a 12-month deal and he could leave if he doesn’t get a better offer.
Barcelona are also known to be keeping tabs on the midfielder, and it remains to be seen whether Arteta has the pulling power to keep him in England were a departure from City to happen.