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Manchester City 'open contract talks with Ilkay Gundogan'

Man City 'open contract talks with Ilkay Gundogan'
© Reuters
Manchester City reportedly begin discussions over a new contract with Ilkay Gundogan, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.

Manchester City have reportedly opened discussions over a new contract for midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

Since joining Man City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, Gundogan has gone on to make 280 appearances for the club, scoring 51 goals and providing 15 assists.

In his time with the Citizens, he has won four Premier League titles, one FA Cup, four EFL Cups and two Community Shields.

Despite being a prominent figure in the City squad, there are question marks hanging over his future, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

A number of European clubs have allegedly made enquires about Gundogan, including current La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan in action with Chelsea's Kai Havertz on January 5, 2023© Reuters

A recent report claimed that Barcelona are interested in signing the former Borussia Dortmund player, who is now permitted to speak to foreign clubs about a pre-contract agreement.

The Catalan giants are believed to be willing to allow Franck Kessie to leave, and with Sergio Busquets out of contract in June, Xavi's side are looking to strengthen their midfield.

Although recent rumours suggested that Gundogan had already agreed a deal with Barcelona, there is reportedly no agreement in place, and he could be set to stay in Manchester.

However, according to The Athletic, Man City are still keen to retain Gundogan's services and have already begun talks over a new contract.

Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan in action with Southampton's Lyanco on January 11, 2023© Reuters

Man City are hopeful that Pep Guardiola's decision to extend his contract in November by a further two years until 2025 could persuade Gundogan to put pen to paper on a new deal.

The report also states that the German may be reluctant to uproot to Spain, with his wife, Sara Arfaoui, due to give birth to their first child in the coming months.

The 32-year-old played the duration of Sunday's home meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Erling Braut Haaland scored a hat-trick in a comfortable 3-0 victory.

Gundogan has now made 27 appearances across all competitions this season, chipping in with two goals and two assists.

Man City are currently sat in second place and five points adrift of leaders Arsenal, but the two sides will meet in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday rather than the Premier League.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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