Barcelona priority target offered €35 million per year package by Saudi Arabia

According to journalist Achraf Ben Ayad, Barcelona are facing stiff competition from Saudi Arabia in their pursuit of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan. The German is being offered a lucrative deal worth €35 million-a-year by the Asians.

The 32-year-old midfielder is one of the top priorities for Xavi Hernandez and Barça heading into the summer. Strong efforts have been put into securing his signing, with the La Liga champions tabling a three-year contract proposal and giving assurances over his registration.

While Barcelona are working hard to land Gundogan, his current club, Manchester City, are also intent on retaining his services, with manager Pep Guardiola pushing the club to do everything in their power to extend the German international’s contract.

A decision from the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder is expected imminently. Amidst this, though, the Saudi Arabia option is rearing its head.

The Middle East nation has already roped in several top names like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, while more players such as Ruben Neves, Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, and Sergio Ramos are expected to follow.

In fact, clubs in Saudi Arabia have also made enquiries for Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto. At the same time, the oil-rich nation also want to acquire the services of Gundogan.

And, according to the report, they are offering Gundogan a mouth-watering contract worth €35 million per year to lure him to the Middle East.

But, signs are that the midfielder is likely to continue in Europe, especially after enjoying a fine season during which he led Manchester City to a historic treble.

With Gundogan having already dismissed a return to Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Barcelona stand as the likeliest destinations for him, although Arsenal are also understood to be in the race.