MANCHESTER CITY goal to maintain Ilkay Gundogan out of Arsenal’s clutches by getting him to agree on a brand new deal.
Gunners supervisor Mikel Arteta desires a reunion with the Etihad skipper who he labored with when he was Pep Guardiola’s No 2 up till 2019.
Manchester Metropolis are planning to supply Ilkay Gundogan a brand new contractCredit score: Getty
He had been linked with a transfer to ArsenalCredit score: AP
The German’s Metropolis contract expires on the finish of the season and early talks failed to search out an settlement.
Barcelona indicated they have been prepared to supply him a two-year deal and Gundogan was holding out for the same supply from his present membership.
The stand-off alerted Arsenal, who ran the champions shut within the title race, to the likelihood they might convey him to the Emirates at no cost this summer season.
Nevertheless, there may be now optimism {that a} compromise could be reached which is able to see him prolong his seven-year keep on the Etihad.
The deal proposed by Metropolis is believed to be structured otherwise to the one he has been supplied on the Nou Camp however is nearer to what he was in search of.
And if he does keep, it might be a well timed enhance for Guardiola who has commonly acknowledged desires the German – his first signing at Metropolis again in 2016 – to remain.
Gundogan scored twice in every of his final two league begins – towards Leeds and Everton – to place them on the point of a 3rd straight title.
He lifted the trophy on the weekend regardless of not getting on towards Chelsea – and is now hoping to get his palms on two extra earlier than the season finishes.
The sensation is Guardiola would have thrown his captain on for a couple of minutes on the finish to say his goodbyes if he had thought it was going to be his Etihad farewell.
His scenario has taken on growing significance with summer season goal Jude Bellingham anticipated to hitch Actual Madrid somewhat than the English champs.
Guardiola is trying to strengthen his midfield this summer season with Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic one identify into consideration together with Celta Vigo’s Gabri Veiga.
Brighton’s World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister can be a participant the Etihad chief admires – though he’s anticipated to hitch Liverpool.
In the meantime, Metropolis stay in talks with teen defender Rico Lewis over a brand new deal – however are but to finalise phrases.
The 18-year-old full-back confirmed his versatility and high quality once more through the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday and has been praised by Guardiola for his contribution to the title success.