Long-time Arsenal transfer target Ilkay Gundogan appears to be available once again this summer, creating plenty of conversation surrounding a move. The German international snubbed the Gunners last summer in favour of a move to Barcelona once his contract at Manchester City expired.
But according to recent sources, Barcelona is willing to allow Gundogan to depart during this transfer window. Man City, Arsenal’s opponents for the Premier League crown, have taken notice of that and are taking steps to get him back to the Etihad Stadium. But before the market shuts in a few weeks, it might also provide Mikel Arteta a boost.
Ilkay Gundogan on the transfer decisions to Arsenal and Barcelona Given that Gundogan is now free to join Arsenal, many will be curious as to why he passed on the Gunners the first time. When he joined Barcelona last summer, the midfield player talked about why he left Man City.
“I’m honest,” the 32-year-old said to BILD. Furthermore, a lot of people are unaware of this: the duration of the contract was not just one or two years. “The running time was not problematic. It took City a while before the negotiations became more serious. “Things might have been different if this had occurred a little sooner. Therefore, winning the Champions League was the ideal conclusion and the timing couldn’t have been more ideal. “Playing for FC Barcelona was also a childhood dream of mine.”
So with that move now seemingly set to come to a close, it could open an avenue for Gundogan to reunite with Arteta.
Is Ilkay Gundogan someone Arsenal should sign during the summer transfer window? With Gundogan now available, this summer may offer the opportunity to acquire a top-tier midfield option at a reasonable price. The German international has obvious technical talent; he can score in more advanced spots by arriving late or play well in deeper situations.
However, there may be more serious issues with the move, particularly considering Gundogan’s age of 33. In addition, he would probably demand a high salary, which may be a big risk for a player who is nearing the end of his playing days. Conversely, discussions around Mikel Merino’s transfer to Arsenal are more likely to meet some of the requirements that the Gunners need to meet this summer.
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