Barcelona are eyeing up an ambitious move for Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan, according to reports.
The 31-year-old is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium and is yet to hold discussions over a new deal. This has led to speculation over a switch away from the Citizens, which would bring an end to Gundogan's time at the club after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.
It is being reported in Spain that Barca are plotting a move for Gundogan if he decides to leave the club next summer and doesn't pen a new contract. Mundo Deportivo revealed that Gundogan is an option for Xavi Hernandez's side as they look to bolster their midfield options.
However, it is understood he isn't their No.1 priority with fellow Man City teammate Bernardo Silva at the top of their shopping list. Barca were linked with a move for the Portuguese midfielder in the summer but Pep Guardiola confirmed that Bernardo was not for sale amid links to the Catalan giants.
"Bernardo Silva will stay at Man City, there are no negotiations," Guardiola said on August 26. "He will stay here. We don't have any phone call from any club regarding Bernardo Silva. That's why he will stay. I tell you, he will stay."
Barca could be even more keen to pursue a move for Gundogan if Frenkie de Jong decides to leave the club next summer. The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United in the recent transfer window but decided to stay with the La Liga outfit, rejecting a move to his former boss Erik ten Hag.
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But United are likely to come back in for De Jong and he could be tempted to make the switch if the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League - meaning Barca will need to find a replacement. They have already identified their 'dream' player in Bernardo, as per Mundo, but Gundogan could still come into the equation.
Gundogan has won four Premier League titles since his move to City six years ago, scoring 51 times in the meantime. He has also lifted four Carabao Cups and one FA Cup - with the Champions League the only other major trophy alluding him. City came so close to winning it in 2021 but eventually lost out to Chelsea in the final.
Barca's interest in Gundogan isn't high at the moment, but it could all change if he doesn't pen a new deal. Although Gundogan would be 32, he still presents great value as a free transfer and would add quality in the midfield.
