Guardiola keen to keep Gundogan at City as Arsenal transfer rumours intensify
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 20 May 2022 19:02 BST
- 3 min read
Pep Guardiola has said he wants Ilkay Gundogan to stay at the club amid speculation that the German is looking to leave Manchester City.
Gundogan’s contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to expire next summer and the 31-year-old is rumoured to be considering leaving instead of renewing with the club.
Among the clubs linked with Gundogan are Barcelona and Bayern Munich as well as Arsenal, who are considering playing the midfielder up front should they sign him.
But speaking ahead of his side’s title-deciding game against Aston Villa, the City boss said: “If you ask me personally, I want Gundogan to stay here. There is no one thinking he cannot be here.
“If he wants to leave, as a club we don't know it.”
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Will Gundogan leave Manchester City?
Gundogan was Guardiola’s first signing at City in 2016 and the ex-Dortmund midfielder has been integral to the club’s success during that time.
However, he has found his playtime slowly decreasing in the past two seasons and has only made 20 league starts this year, with Bernardo Silva being preferred at centre midfield.
The club have held talks with Gundogan’s representatives in recent weeks however they are believed to be more about his chances of leaving the club instead of signing a new deal.
Despite Guardiola’s desire to keep Gundogan, the club are willing to cash in on a player the wrong side of 30 and with 12 months left on his contract.
The situation is said to be amicable between all parties and a conclusion is likely to be reached should an appropriate move be found for Gundogan.
Not many players in our history win the Premier League as the best player in the team, but Gundogan did it and he put himself up there with one of the best campaigns from a player. 20/21 PL ssn
- 28 games 🗓
- 13 goals ⚽️
- 3 assists 🏹
- 42 chances created
- 92% pass accuracy pic.twitter.com/DeYGkewa98— Pi (@mcitypi) May 16, 2022
A return to Germany could be on the cards however Gundogan could also remain in England, although a move to Arsenal is unlikely unless they secure Champions League qualification.
Barcelona are considered the favourites to land Gundogan should they sell Frenkie De Jong, who has been linked with a transfer to Manchester United.
