Pep Guardiola has opened up on Ilkay Gundogan's future as the Manchester City captain approaches the final two weeks of his contract with the club.
Gundogan would be available on a free transfer if he doesn't pen fresh terms with the Citizens before the end of the month, with both Arsenal and Barcelona said to be interested in signing the German international. But Guardiola hasn't given up on the chance of the German international staying at the Etihad Stadium.
"We are interested in renewing his contract and [Barcelona] are also interested," the City boss told reporters at the Puma Legends golf tournament, via ESPN, on Monday. "I hope he stays with us.
"We are still fighting for him to stay with us. He is a player we want to stay -- and we will do all we can -- but we know Barca want him.
"If Barca sign him, they will have a spectacular footballer on their hands. I am aware Xavi has called him a lot. If, in the end, he picks Barca, I will tell him he will enjoy himself."
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Gundogan was also asked about the possibility of a return to Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, who he played for before joining City back in 2016. When quizzed in a press conference about potentially re-joining Dortmund this summer, the 32-year-old said: "There was contact between [Dortmund sporting director] Sebastian Kehl and my agent.
"I can say that. But it was not very likely. To return in the Bundesliga was not my plan.“
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