Barcelona are looking to strengthen their midfield and wanted to sign Bernardo Silva in January, but Manchester City had no desire to let the 28-year-old leave. Ferran Martinez of Mundo Deportivo says the Catalan giants are now turning their attention to Ilkay Gundogan instead.
Silva would cost in excess of £80m while Gundogan could be available on a free transfer next summer, so he’d be more affordable for the cash-strapped outfit. That being said, City aren’t looking to let Gundogan leave and hope to renew his contract beyond 2023.
He’s still a regular under Pep Guardiola and only recently turned 32. But Gundogan has stalled on signing a new deal, putting his future in Manchester up in the air. Barcelona and Juventus are among the clubs showing an interest, so time will tell where he ends up.
Gundogan has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals with two assists. He’s made the matchday squad for every game and captains the side when he starts, so he’s still important to Guardiola. His future depends on the contract negotiations.
In other news, did Pep Guardiola dodge a bullet not signing Marc Cucurella this summer?
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