There is no secret that Barcelona are in the market for a new midfielder. The club are facing uncertainty over the future of Sergio Busquets, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.
Although Busquets is set to be handed a renewal offer, the proposal would likely include a substantial salary cut. It will make it extremely difficult for Barcelona to convince the veteran to prolong his stay at Camp Nou, especially amid interest from other clubs across the globe.
The precarious situation in midfield has accentuated the need for a new midfielder, with Barcelona among the clubs keeping tabs on Ilkay Gundogan.
According to a fresh report from Mundo Deportivo, Barça have even made the first steps in their bid to sign the German international, whose current deal at Etihad expires at the end of the season and could be available on a free transfer.
Gundogan himself is open to the idea of playing for Barcelona. Given his technical prowess and experience at the highest level, he could be an excellent option for Barça in the interior midfield position. He can even operate as a number six, if necessary.
Barcelona’s first priority was to sign Bernardo Silva of Manchester City. But the club are not in a position to spend €65-70 million for the Portuguese international, which has led to Gundogan emerging as the ideal target.
However, it must be noted that negotiations between the two parties are currently on standby until Barcelona sort out their economic situation and receive a clearer picture as to how much they will be allowed to spend in the coming summer.
The situation should become clearer in the coming months, once Barça get an idea of which players are leaving the club at the end of the season.
