Ilkay Gundogan tells Arsenal when he will make transfer decision as Man City talks continue

Ilkay Gundogan will make a decision on his future next week, it has been reported.

The German international has been one of the most sought-after players in the early stages of the summer transfer window, having played a central role in Manchester City claiming the treble.

And according to Marca, Gundogan, who has attracted interest from Barcelona, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, needs another week to decide his future.

The publication claims the 32-year-old has told all interested parties that he needs another week to make a decision on his next club.

Indeed, Gundogan admitted in a press conference this week that he had not yet come to a decision while adding that a return to the Bundesliga was not on the cards.

The midfielder said: “No decision has been made yet, I’m still in the process of deciding my future.

“There was a contact with Borussia Dortmund but it was never close as the return to Bundesliga is not part of my plans”.

Gundogan’s future

Arsenal are planning to revamp their midfield and mount another title challenge.

Indeed, Mikel Arteta reportedly wants two midfielders this transfer window, with the club having been linked to the likes of Declan Rice and Romeo Lavia as well as Gundogan.

Of course, Pep Guardiola has also spoken out on his hopes of keeping the City captain.

“I’m aware of Barcelona’s interest in signing Gundogan but we’re also very interested in keeping him at the club,” the City boss told reporters in Spain, via the Evening Standard.

“I hope he stays with us. If Barcelona succeed in signing him, they will get a great, fantastic player.”

And after City’s 2-1 FA Cup final victory over Manchester United, in which Gundogan scored both of his side’s goals, Guardiola showered praise on the midfielder.

“The player is exceptional. This season what he has done is just exceptional,” he said.

“Not just being part of the important moments and I don't forget the two goals he scored against Aston Villa [in 2022] and this season many times he’s scored important goals.

“It’s for the fact how important he is for many, many reasons.

“It was the best way to start a final, knowing there were 89 minutes or more of the 90 minutes left. Of course, it was an important moment.”

Topics: Football, Arsenal, Ilkay Gundogan, Premier League, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Barcelona

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.