Arsenal is now in pole position to sign Gundogan after offering two year contract because of Man City pursuit for a replacement in person of Kovacic.
Arsenal are thought to be in a ‘good position’ to sign Ilkay
Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker has revealed that his club are in a ‘good position’ to sign Man City’s treble winning captain Ilkay Gundogan this summer on a free transfer.
Gundogan lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League as Man City captain this season, with the latter completing a historic treble on Saturday night. Gundogan, 32, sees his contract expiring this summer and is yet to agree terms on a new deal.
Mertesacker played with Gundogan with Germany between 2011 & 2014 and has suggested that he may see it as being ‘mission accomplished’ at City following the treble win. Speaking as a pundit for German broadcaster ZDF, the former Arsenal defender said the Gunners are definitely in the mix.
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He continued, revealing Mikel Arteta’s contact with the midfielder: “I think the clubs are queuing. Because Arteta knows him and we probably haven’t broken off contact, we’re in a good position.
“I think he’ll let it all sink in first and then choose from one of the four clubs.”
Arsenal are set to overhaul their midfield this summer, with the expected departure of Granit Xhaka meaning that at least two players are set to join. Gundogan is now believed to be a prime candidate, with Declan Rice also believed to want to join in potential club-record deal from West Ham.
After the 1-0 win against Inter on Saturday, Gundogan told ESPN: “I have not made a final decision on my future yet.”
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Barcelona are also thought to be keen on signing Gundogan, with the former Borussia Dortmund man having plenty of options as he celebrates the finest achievement of his career.