Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has claimed that Manchester City captain won't be the difference maker for Arsenal if they are able to sign him this summer.
The north Londoners have been linked with a move for Gundogan in recent times, with the 32-year-old's contract at the Etihad Stadium set to expire at the end of the current campaign. That means if he doesn't extend his deal, he would be available on a free transfer, something that would undoubtedly excite Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
But Hamann isn't convinced that recruiting the German international would help close the gap between Arteta's side and the reigning champions. "Ilkay Gundogan is at an age now where he needs to play in a dominant team," Hamann told Casinos En Ligne.
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"He’s been a fantastic player for Manchester City, but he’s been average for Germany because we’re not as dominant with the ball. Would Gundogan improve Arsenal? Yes, he would, but he is 32-years-old so I would not sign him as a player who would make the difference in winning the Premier League next season.
"He won’t be a player to make the difference in winning Arsenal the Premier League next year. With his hero status at Manchester City and Barcelona being interested, I’m not sure he would play for another team in England."
Gundogan isn't the only midfielder that has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in recent times, with West Ham United captain Declan Rice constantly mooted as a potential target. football.london understands that Rice is Arteta's priority target for the summer window as the Spaniard looks to bolster his options in the centre of the park.
Rice has made it no secret of his desire to play in the UEFA Champions League in the near future, a competition that Arsenal qualified for this season, the first time they secured a top-four finish since 2016.
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