There’s been an update from Per Mertesacker regarding Arsenal’s pursuit of another Manchester star this summer.
Ilkay Gundogan’s current deal at Manchester City is up at the end of the season and with the player still yet to sign a new contract with previous reports revealing Arsenal have entered the race to sign him on a free transfer this summer.
Per Mertesacker has revealed the Manchester City captain has never stopped having contact with Mikel Arteta, even though he’s now the manager of their title rivals. Arsenal’s head of academy also revealed he thinks the Gunners are in a pretty good position to get Ilkay Gundogan this summer, if there is a deal to be done.
Mertesacker just said there’s a long line for Gündogan but “he probably never stopped having contact with Arteta” so he thinks Arsenal “are in a pretty good position” if there’s a deal to be done.
— Lewis (@LGAmbrose) June 10, 2023
Since Granit Xhaka is on the verge of leaving the club, which is set to be confirmed only once Arsenal bring in a replacement, Mikel Arteta has already identified his successor and it looks to be Manchester City’s captain Ilkay Gundogan.
Having signed for the Citizens in 2016 and winning five Premier League titles in seven years, it appears the German is ready for his next challenge after rejecting Manchester City’s latest contract offer. Mikel Arteta knows the 32-year-old well after their time together at Manchester City and the Arsenal boss is keen to bring him to the Emirates Stadium ahead of next season.
Ilkay Gundogan lifting Manchester City’s third Premier League trophy in a row. [Image Credit: Getty Images]
READ MORE:Â Arsenal cut asking price to ensure player is sold this summer.
Arsenal are the youngest team in the league which has shown in this recent weeks as their end-of-season collapse has handed Manchester City their third Premier League title in a row. However Mikel Arteta is keen for the same not to happen next year, and you don’t get a more experienced winner than the Manchester City captain.
Arsenal are ready to sign Gundogan if he is to leave Manchester City on a free transfer ahead of next season.
So far this season, Gundogan has played 30 games in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and recording four assists. Five of his eight goals have come in the last two months, which have been crucial to Manchester City’s great form towards the end of the season. He’s a player who loves the pressure which could be a huge asset for Arsenal next season, if the Gunners can get a deal done for the German.
Gundogan isn’t the only midfielder Arsenal are looking at ahead of next season with Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Moises Caicedo and more on their list this summer.
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