Barcelona In The Lead To Sign Ilkay Gundogan, Final Decision Expected Soon

Ilkay Gundogan proved once again that he remains a top midfielder last night when Manchester City thrashed Real Madrid en route to the UEFA Champions League final.

The 32-year-old German put in a fine display showing Barcelona fans what he can offer as the La Liga champions pursue his signing in the summer transfer window.

Now, Alfredo Martinez via SPORT is reporting that Barcelona are indeed in the lead to sign Gundogan from Manchester City in the summer and talks are set to enter the final stretch with a decision expected soon.

Gundogan’s current contract with the Premier League champions expires on June 30. City are keen to prolong his stay at the Etihad Stadium, with manager Pep Guardiola insisting on several occasions that he wants to keep working with the midfielder.

To that end, the Cityzens have offered Gundogan a one-year contract.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have emerged as a suitor for the veteran midfielder as well, with Mikel Arteta, who worked with Gundogan at City, keen on a reunion.

However, as per the report, it is Barcelona who are the best placed to sign Gundogan. It is claimed that the newly-crowned La Liga champions have offered the Manchester City captain a three-year contract which gives them an edge in the race.

In fact, some reports have even suggested that there is already a verbal agreement in place between the two parties.

Either ways, negotiations are understood to be in the last stretch and a decision from the former Borussia Dortmund ace is expected soon.