Sources: Man City set sights on signing midfielder after Ilkay Gundogan exit update
Man City will look to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window after Barcelona registered interest in Ilkay Gundogan, sources have told Football Insider.
The 32-year-old midfielder is out of a contract this summer and the La Liga giants are keen to sign him as a free agent.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (24 February) that Barcelona are “pushing hard” to sign Gundogan at the end of the season.
Barcelona’s financial struggles have caused the Spanish side to turn towards the free agent market to bolster their squad for next season.
Man City have not given up hope of convincing Gundogan to stay at the Etihad with a new deal, but the Premier League champions are set on signing midfield reinforcements this summer regardless of his future.
Gundogan’s exit could accelerate interest in Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.
Gundogan has played a crucial role in Pep Guardiola’s side this season, making 34 appearances for the Manchester club across all competitions.
He first joined City back in 2016 in a £20million move as Guardiola’s first signing at the club, and the Spanish manager has since labelled him an “incredible footballer”.
Over his seven seasons at the Etihad Stadium, Gundogan has made 287 appearances for City, scoring 52 times and assisting a further 37.
He has also won four Premier League titles, four League Cups and an FA Cup during his time at the club.
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