Barcelona target still diplomatic about future; Man City want to renew him, confirms Pep

Ilkay Gundogan added another feather to his cap last night by leading Manchester City to the FA Cup title. He is now within touching distance of securing a treble, providing his team beats Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final.

In the midst of his success, Barcelona have been keen on the idea of incorporating his services ahead of the new season. According to Mundo Deportivo, Gundogan is yet to decide on his future. Even though his contract at Etihad expires in the summer, he has left his future open.

The player has also made no secret of his desire to keep leading the Manchester City squad. He also holds Pep Guardiola in high esteem.

Guardiola, for his part, is keen on keeping hold of the services of Gundogan. In the press conference after the FA Cup final, he confirmed his desire, stating, “Txiki [Begiristain] is working on it. I hope he succeeds.”

Manchester City had previously raised a one-year renewal proposal to Gundogan, but the player was not happy with the length of the contract and was favouring Barcelona’s three-year deal.

But it appears Man City are now contemplating increasing the length of the Gundogan, possibly offering the midfielder a one-year deal with an option to extend it to a further year.

Barcelona, for their part, are putting all the resources into the pursuit of Lionel Messi, who appears dangerously close to a move to Al-Hilal, with the Saudi Arabian giants even reportedly preparing a welcome show on June 6.

The Catalans, therefore, are likely not in a position to compete with Man City at the moment and at the end of the day, the decision will be up to the player, on whether or not he wants to remain at Etihad or try out a new adventure elsewhere.