Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly set to leave Manchester City this summer. According to the English outlet Daily Mail, the Premier League powerhouse told Gundogan he could look for a new club after he asked for assurances on playing time before signing a new deal.
Gundogan has been one of the most consistent performers for City in the past seasons, but he only has one year left on his contract. While the club would like to keep the 31-year-old player around, it appears that the negotiations between the two sides stalled. Gundogan would reportedly want to have a guaranteed spot in the starting lineup, while manager Pep Guardiola isn’t ready to make him that promise.
The influential reporter Fabrizio Romano later confirmed that Gundogan’s representatives are having discussions with the club about the player’s future, and his exit after the season seems like the most likely outcome. Romano adds that several clubs have already signaled interest in Gundogan, including Barcelona and Arsenal.
Ilkay Gundogan joined City ahead of the 2016–17 season from German outfit Borussia Dortmund. His time in England didn’t get off to a great start as he tore cruciate ligaments in his right knee just a couple of months into the campaign. However, Gundogan recovered in time for the next season and didn’t miss a beat since.
Gundogan played a total of 252 games in City’s jersey and scored 47 goals alongside 33 assists. He also helped the club win 10 trophies, including three Premier League titles.
