In a positive development for FC Barcelona, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that the La Liga champions are getting ‘very close’ to the signing of Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan in the summer.
Gundogan’s current contract with Man City expires on June 30 and Barcelona have been working on his signing for a long time now. The Catalan giants have tabled an improved three-year contract offer recently to the German international, but are competing with City, who wish to keep hold of him.
Amidst the tug of war, Gundogan had asked the Blaugrana for more time to make a decision on his future.
Now, as per the report, Gundogan’s agent sent messages to the Barcelona camp last night, hinting that the midfielder would be willing to accept their offer. And a definite answer should not be much longer away.
The La Liga champions wish to sign the 32-year-old midfielder due to his free-agent status as well as the versatility and experience that he brings to the table.
Director Mateu Alemany has been in talks with Gundogan’s agent, while Xavi has been in charge of speaking to the midfielder and convincing him about a transfer.
The report adds that the interactions between the player and the manager were very productive and that the midfielder had reached a verbal agreement over a transfer, but with Manchester City offering him improved terms, doubts had crept in within the Catalan camp.
Furthermore, Arsenal too had been pushing for his signing while offers came in from Saudi Arabia as well. But despite all of that, Barcelona are now very confident and optimistic that Gundogan will sign for them, especially after receiving positive messages from his agent last night.
Gundogan showed this season that despite his age, he can continue to be a key part of the team and he could end up being a solid addition to the midfield ranks at Barcelona.
