Ilkay Gundogan is in talks with Manchester City over a new deal, meaning he could stay at the Etihad Stadium beyond the summer, but Sam Lee of The Athletic revealed that Barcelona are still trying to sign him. The Catalans reportedly ‘made enquiries’ about the 32-year-old, but there is ‘no agreement in place’.
Pep Guardiola says he won’t stand in a player’s way if they want to leave City, but he won’t willingly let Gundogan depart unless he requests it. The German international has been important in midfield this season, featuring in 16 of City’s 19 Premier League games while playing in every Champions League outing.
Gundogan has scored two goals with two assists from 26 appearances across the board, starting six of their last eight league games, so he’s still a key player despite the stiff competition for places.
Vital Man City wondered how much he’d feature earlier in the season with Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva being first-choice, but Gundogan remains a permanent fixture.
It’s little wonder why Barcelona would be interested in the 32-year-old, but City won’t let him go voluntarily without having a replacement lined up.
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