It has been reported that Barcelona have their sights set on a transfer for Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan.
The £21 million (Sky Sports) man’s contract expires in the summer, as his future hangs in the balance after joining the club as Pep Guardiola’s first signing in 2016.
As it remains unclear whether Ilkay Gundogan will commit his future at Manchester City, the Athletic journalist Pol Ballus has reported that Barcelona are keen on a transfer.
Barcelona readying transfer for Manchester City mainstay Gundogan
Pep Guardiola had admitted as recently as in February that he really wants the German international to continue his stay at the Etihad Stadium.
The Spanish manager emphasised that especially after Gundogan’s legendary brace against Aston Villa that won City the Premier League title last season, ‘he can do whatever he wants.’
A report has now emerged that claims that Barcelona are ‘increasingly interested’ in completing a transfer for Ilkay Gundogan.
Further details suggest those involved in the negotiations surrounding the 32-year-old’s expiring contract believe that an exit is on the cards and it is ‘likely’ that he signs for Xavi and Co.
In addition, it has been stated that if Ilkay Gundogan does end up leaving Manchester City to join Barcelona, he would be willing to do so while accepting a wage cut as part of the transfer deal.
What will make Sky Blues fans happy is that the player’s own team revealed that he is ‘fully committed’ to pushing for silverware currently and is in a content mood, following the birth of his son recently.
Simultaneously, the Premier League champions are believed to be looking at long-term replacements for Gundogan, as they look to overhaul the squad for Guardiola’s reign till 2025.
Considering it looks likely that Bernardo Silva could be eyeing an exit himself, several Manchester City fans would be gutted to see the legendary skipper leave on a free transfer to Barcelona or any other club as that would need the pair’s replacements to fit in instantly.
