Mikel Arteta 'driving' Arsenal's interest in Man City star Ilkay Gundogan as transfer speculation grows

Mikel Arteta is reportedly 'driving' Arsenal's interest in Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as Arsenal consider a summer swoop.

The Gunners saw their last remaining hope of winning the Premier League slip away on Saturday afternoon, as they lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest, making it mathematically impossible to catch Manchester City.

One day later, Pep Guardiola lifted his third successive title against Chelsea at the Etihad - a painful sight for Arsenal supporters.

Among those celebrating was club captain Gundogan, who has played a key part on City's road to what could be a historic treble.

Prior to City's game against Chelsea, for which he was rested alongside several first-team stars, the 32-year-old had netted four goals in his last two Premier League appearances.

However, the Germany international will have an important decision to make regarding his future, with his current deal due to expire at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, transfer specialist David Ornstein has dropped a significant update regarding Arsenal's interest, claiming Arteta is the 'driving' force behind their pursuit.

Ornstein drops Gundogan transfer update

Widespread reports have rumoured Gundogan with a move to the Emirates, as speculation grows around his potetial departure, some eight seasons after he joined City.

And Ornstein has the latest, revealing that the former Borussia Dortmund man is viewed as the ideal replacement for Granit Xhaka, who looks destined to move away this summer.

Writing for The Athletic, Ornstein said: "Arsenal do hold a concrete interest in Gundogan and Arteta is driving it, having worked with the 32-year-old German at the Etihad Stadium and identified him as the ideal replacement for Xhaka."

However, Guardiola is thought to want to keep him at the club, while Barcelona are also keen on the player.

"Fresh efforts will be made to keep him at City and Gundogan has other possibilities including Barcelona," added Ornstein.

"But as things stand, no agreements have been reached and the situation is still open."

Guardiola may be reluctant to do business with Arteta for the third time, after the Gunners boss poached both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus from his former colleague last summer.

Indeed Guardiola must now consider Arsenal a direct rival, with the north London side the only team to match City in the league all season.

Topics: Arsenal, Transfers, Ilkay Gundogan, Manchester City, Mikel Arteta, Premier League, Football

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno