(Football news) According to Fabrizio Romano, Ilkay Gundogan's agents have been talking to the Manchester City board about a potential transfer away from the club. The German's contract ends in June 2023 and a new deal is not even being discussed. Essentially the only question about Gundogan's departure is whether it will happen this year for a fee or next year for free. Barcelona, Arsenal and several German clubs are interested in his services.

After 5 successful years at Borussia Dortmund, Gundogan joined Manchester City for £20 million. In almost 6 years at Manchester City, the German has had spells of regular football but he has never been the first name on the team sheet. Now at the age of 31, Gundogan may want guaranteed regular football. Barcelona will be very tempting for the player if the club's financial problems don't interfere. A move to Arsenal is likely to happen only if the Gunners secure UCL qualification which looks extremely unlikely. Ilkay Gundogan has a lot of football left in him and he can definitely deliver at the highest level.

His Manchester City career has been a very successful one in which he has won 10 trophies. Being at a club where he will be leading and anchoring the midfield is exactly what his career needs right now. The World Cup at the end of the year is also a big factor. Gundogan hasn't played enough minutes this season and if the same thing continues then he might not make it to Qatar as a part of Hansi Flick's squad. Fernandinho has already announced that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season while Gabriel Jesus is also heavily linked with a move away from the Etihad. The arrival of Erling Haaland automatically means that there will be changes at the club. The departures of Gundogan, Fernandinho and Jesus will mean that City will somewhat have a new look next season.

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