Ilkay Gundogan Uninterested In Borussia Dortmund Return, Prefers Arsenal And Barcelona

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is not keen on returning to Borussia Dortmund this summer, according to Bild.

The former German international is not interested in a return to his country. He’d prefer a move to Arsenal or Barcelona when his contract expires at the end of this month.

Gundogan looks set to leave City this month, and BVB considered bringing him back to replace Jude Bellingham, who has joined Real Madrid.

Gundogan would add quality, experience, and leadership to Dortmund’s centre. But he does not want to rejoin them. He is eyeing a move to other places.

Arsenal represent a possible destination for the Gelsenkirchen-born central midfielder. He will continue his seven-year stay in England and move to a coach who knows all his qualities.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta coached Gundogan when he was at City as an assistant to Pep Guardiola.

Also, Barcelona have shown concrete interest in the player. They want him to bolster their midfield.

However, their financial situation is preventing them from making moves. They must ensure they put their house in order before proposing any offer to the player.

City themselves are still trying to hold on to Gundogan in the meantime. He is their captain and played a crucial role in the run-in to help them secure a treble. He scored needed goals in the Premier League and FA Cup final.

If City lose him, they are preparing to go in for Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic. They have already agreed personal terms with him.

The Croatian international is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and is on his way out after five years as part of a massive clearout.

Man City are preparing for a mini overhaul themselves this summer. They could lose Kyle Walker, Joao Cancelo, and Bernardo Silva.

Additionally, Aymeric Laporte and Kalvin Phillips might leave too. They must bring in top-quality reinforcement to defend their titles next season.