Arsenal are targeting Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan as he attempts to reach a decision over his future.
The German is out of contract this summer and could be set to leave the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer. Spanish giants Barcelona have been linked with a swoop for his services should fresh terms not be agreed upon.
The Gunners are eyeing a revamp of their midfield in the upcoming window with Swiss international Granit Xhaka expected to be among those who could leave the club before long. Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen want to take him back to Germany.
Should he leave, Gundogan is reported to be among Arsenal ’s potential replacements. According to The Athletic, the Gunners hold a ‘concrete’ interest in the former Borussia Dortmund star with Mikel Arteta at the heart of their attempts to take him to the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking last month, he suggested that no decision had been taken over his future. "There are talks in the background,” Gundogan said.
“That's normal with just a couple of months left but without going too much into detail there is nothing decided yet from my side or the club's side so the talks are continuing. If there's a decision, you guys will be the first ones to know."
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Gundogan is not the only Man City star to have been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer. Previous reports have suggested that the North London side are considering a swoop for Joao Cancelo.
He faces an uncertain future under Pep Guardiola after being allowed to join Bayern Munich on-loan in January. It appears unlikely that the German giants will pursue a permanent deal.
Should Arsenal make a play for the pair, it would represent the second successive summer they would do business with title rivals Man City. The Gunners completed a double raid on the Etihad last summer with a combined £75m swoop for Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Gundogan is not anticipated to be the only midfielder targeted by Arsenal this summer. West Ham star Declan Rice continues to be linked with a move.
The England star is a long-term target in North London and has just a year left on his contract with the Hammers. He scored on what could potentially be his final appearance at the London Stadium in West Ham’s 3-1 win against Leeds over the weekend.
Chelsea 's Mason Mount is another midfielder linked with a move. He too has just 12 months left on his deal, with Arsenal reported to be ‘determined’ to sign both England internationals.
