Arsenal plotting to hijack Barcelona’s move for Champions League-winning midfielder

According to Roger Torello of Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal are pushing hard to sign Manchester City captain and Barcelona transfer target Ilkay Gundogan ahead of the summer transfer window.

Gundogan will become a free agent starting July 1, with his contract wiht Manchester City expiring at the end of this month. The Cityzens are still trying hard to convince him to renew, as confirmed by manager Pep Guardiola recently.

However, Barcelona are well placed to sign the 32-year-old treble winner in the upcoming season, having made a three-year contract offer.

But, it is now being claimed that Arsenal are keen to hijack the Catalans’ move for the German international as they look to reinforce their midfield department.

Mikel Arteta knows Gundogan very well from his time as Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and wishes to add him to his roster at the Emirates Stadium.

Although Arsenal are understood to be pushing hard for the signing of the Man City captain, the report states that Barcelona are optimistic about their chances of securing the services of the veteran midfielder.

This comes on the back of encouraging messages that the La Liga champions received from Gundogan’s agent, which has led them to believe that the transfer is very close to being completed.

Gundogan, for his part, continues to insist that he has yet to make a decision on his next move. A final call on the same is expected to arrive in the coming days and it remains to be seen if he chooses Barça, Arsenal, or an extended stay with Man City.