Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan in recent times. The 32-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season as his contract is set to expire.
There have been talks of a renewal at the Etihad but nothing is decided yet. Amidst this, the German international’s agent was spotted in a meeting with Barcelona officials earlier this week adding further fuel to speculations.
While Mateu Alemany tried to downplay the meeting, Gundogan is viewed as a ‘very likely option’ for the summer within the Barça offices.
Amidst the rising speculations, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was asked about the future of his captain and midfield lieutenant beyond the current campaign.
And the ex-Barcelona boss appeared coy on the matter, leaving the door open for Gundogan’s potential exit in the summer.
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News, Guardiola said: “I think I know my opinion about Ilkay. What Ilkay has done against Aston Villa last season he can do whatever he wants. He has the paradise already. So he knows exactly my opinion about him.
“The club knows it and it is a question for him and his agent. What is going to happen I’m pretty sure is going to be good for him.”
“Really we want how he is behaving, how he has behaved all his life in Manchester but what is going to happen? This kind of thing belongs to the club and the player,” he added.
Barcelona is in the market for reinforcement in the centre of the park for the summer, especially as question marks continue to linger over the future of Sergio Busquets.
The 34-year-old has less than five months left on his contract and even though Xavi wants to keep hold of his captain, a new deal has not been offered by the club.
Gundogan, given his experience, versatility and winning mentality, has the capability to be a good short-term signing for Barcelona. So, it will be interesting to see if they actually go ahead with his capture or whether he renews his contract at the Etihad.
