Pep Guardiola Speaks Out on Ilkay Gundogan’s Future Amid Transfer Links to Arsenal and Barcelona
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has commented about Ilkay Gundogan’s future, amid speculation that he could join Arsenal or Barcelona.
Pep Guardiola has spoken out on Ilkay Gundogan’s future as the Manchester City captain enters the final two weeks of his contract.
If Gundogan does not sign new terms with the Citizens before the end of the month, he will be available on a free transfer, with Arsenal and Barcelona both keen in signing the German international. Guardiola, on the other hand, hasn’t given up hope on the German international sticking at the Etihad Stadium.
“We are interested in renewing his contract and [Barcelona] are also interested,” the City boss told reporters at the Puma Legends golf tournament, via ESPN, on Monday. “I hope he stays with us.
“We are still fighting for him to stay with us. He is a player we want to stay — and we will do all we can — but we know Barca want him.
“If Barca sign him, they will have a spectacular footballer on their hands. I am aware Xavi has called him a lot. If, in the end, he picks Barca, I will tell him he will enjoy himself.”
Gundogan was also asked about the idea of returning to Borussia Dortmund, where he played before joining City in 2016. When asked about perhaps rejoining Dortmund this summer during a news conference, the 32-year-old said: “There was contact between [Dortmund sporting director] Sebastian Kehl and my agent.”
“I can say that. But it was not very likely. To return in the Bundesliga was not my plan.“
