By Gabriel Agbonlahor

8th Jun, 2023 | 5:56am

Man City have dropped major Ilkay Gundogan hint with deal '99% done' - Agbonlahor

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed the imminent signing of Mateo Kovacic is a “hint” Man City star Ilkay Gundogan will leave the club this summer.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Premier League champions “don’t need” any midfield reinforcements as it stands.

Sources told this site on 1 June that Man City are close to finalising the signing of Chelsea star Kovacic – with the move now “99% done”.

Meanwhile, Gundogan is out of contract at the Etihad Stadium later this month – potentially ending a trophy-laden seven-year spell at the club.

He scored a brace in the FA Cup final win over Man United – bringing his tally to 11 goals and seven assists across 50 appearances this term.

Arsenal and Barcelona have been credited with an interest in Gundogan – but recent reports have suggested Saudi Arabian clubs are keen to bring him to the Middle East on a lucrative contract.

However, The Times claim (20 May) the Germany international has been offered a new deal at Man City.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think there’s something going on at City.

“There’s a reason they are going for Kovacic. I think one of Gundogan or Bernardo Silva is going to leave.

“They don’t need anyone else in that current squad.

“That Man City team doesn’t need any help. They’ve got two full squads as it stands.

“For them to be advancing with a deal for Kovacic – that hints at Gundogan potentially leaving.”

In other news, Celtic target senior Man City man in manager search.