Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly a transfer target of Barcelona.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Gundogan is a dream transfer for the Catalan giants because of his current contract situation. At present, the 32-year-old's contract at the Etihad Stadium will expire at the end of the season.
Since arriving in 2016 from Borussia Dortmund, Gundogan has become a key player in the City squad at the beginning of this campaign he was voted by the players to replace Fernandinho as captain of the club. The report adds that the German midfielder is an 'object of desire' for Xavi at Camp Nou and the hope is that they can convince the Blues to cash in on their skipper this winter.
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However, the report does note that a move for Gundogan will be dependent on Barca's financial situation and it is unclear whether City would be responsive to a deal for their player. Elsewhere reports from Sport have suggested that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is in no rush to sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium ahead of a potential return to the Blues.
Arteta learnt his managerial skills under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad between 2016 and 2019 before leaving to take the top job at the Gunners. The Spanish media outfit claims that the 40-year-old is aware of admirers he has in Manchester and is thus eyeing a potential switch back to City.
Currently, his contract expires in 2025, the same time that Guardiola's new deal in Manchester comes to an end. The report also adds that Barcelona have been impressed with Arteta's performance with Arsenal and would also be keen on appointing him as manager at some stage.
Arsenal are top of the Premier League during the World Cup break, five points clear of Guardiola's City. The Blues do still have to face the North London club once the prestigious tournament in Qatar ends.
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