What Ilkay Gundogan said about Arsenal striker and Zinchenko as Arsenal focus on Granit Xhaka heir
The Manchester City star’s candid assessment of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko has provided Arsenal with renewed optimism of signing Ilkay Gundogan. The 32-year-old’s future at the Etihad Stadium is becoming increasingly dubious, as his contract expires at the end of next month.
This season, Gundogan has appeared 30 times for City in the Premier League, contributing directly to 13 goals from midfield. His outstanding play has helped Pep Guardiola’s side achieve their third consecutive English Premier League championship and fifth in the last six years.
Granit Xhaka is expected to depart Arsenal in the summer, so Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his midfield options for the upcoming season. According to thesoccerstand.com, the Switzerland international is in advanced contract negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen.
A agreement that would see Xhaka join the Bundesliga club for €15 million (£13 million) and a contract through 2027 is reportedly on the verge of being finalized. The Swiss has been instrumental to the Gunners’ success this season, and Gundogan has reportedly been deemed a suitable replacement.
Arsenal are determined to recruit Declan Rice and Mason Mount this summer, according to The Athletic, but they could pursue a third midfielder if Granit Xhaka leaves. According to the claim, the north Londoners have ‘concrete interest’ in Gundogan, but they face stiff competition from Barcelona.
The Gunners may have leverage over the Spanish titans, however. The Germany international had previously relished playing alongside Jesus and Zinchenko for City.
The Gundogan conducted a Twitter Q&A session last summer. When asked how he felt about their departures, he said, “They’re both excellent players and characters. Next season, Arsenal will be even more hazardous due to their excellent additions. Gabi [Jesus] has already demonstrated this in his first few contests.”
As Arsenal seek midfield reinforcements, thesoccerstand.com has learned that the Gunners are interested in signing West Ham’s Declan Rice. It is rumored that Chelsea’s longstanding admiration for the England international could jeopardize a potential transfer.
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However, the Blues lack Champions League qualification, let alone Europa League or Conference League experience, which could prove costly…
What Ilkay Gundogan said about Arsenal striker and Zinchenko as Arsenal focus on Granit Xhaka heir