By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

14th May, 2023 | 9:30am

Sources: Barcelona in pole position to sign Ilkay Gundogan after talks held

Barcelona are the favourites to land Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 32-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and the Spanish giants are well-placed to sign him on a free transfer.

The La Liga leaders have held talks with Gundogan and proposed a contract, with a full agreement inching closer.

City are also understood to be in talks with Gundogan over a new deal, but time is running out for the two parties to agree terms.

Pep Guardiola is playing a key part in negotiations, with Football Insider sources revealing on Friday (12 May) that the City boss is ‘adamant’ that Gundogan should stay in Manchester.

The Spanish coach is a big admirer of Gundogan’s leadership and experience in the City dressing room and is eager to tie him down to a new deal.

But the German international is open to a move and is tempted by Barcelona’s proposal.

It is understood that multiple Saudi Arabian clubs have also entered the race to sign Gundogan, but he ideally wants to stay in Europe and compete in the Champions League.

The Saudi offers are the most lucrative offers on the table for the midfielder, but Barcelona remain the frontrunners to sign him.

Gundogan has made 299 appearances for City since joining the club as Guardiola’s first signing in 2016 – he has scored 56 goals and registered 39 assists.

In other news, Guardiola ready to green light Man City move for Premier League ‘leader’