Man City star tipped to make statement move as Arsenal are ‘in a good position’ to capitalise
Per Mertesacker feels Ilkay Gundogan could see Manchester City’s treble win as “mission accomplished” and up sticks, with Arsenal in a “good position” to land him.
City have finally broken their Champions League duck. Indeed, despite a period of dominance over the past few years, European honours have eluded them.
That was until a 1-0 win over Inter Milan in this season’s Champions League final. Not only did that secure their first-ever such title, but secured a historic treble, alongside the FA Cup and the Premier League title.
But that success may be the catalyst for some difficulty for the Citizens. Club captain llkay Gundogan is out of contract this summer, and finally securing a Champions League title could be enough to see him ride off into the sunset, with nothing more to play for.
Arsenal academy manager Mertesacker feels that could well be the case as the midfielder could: “say, okay, mission accomplished,” he said, quoted by Metro.
The possibility Gundogan could leave City is all the more interesting given interest from Arsenal, which is described as “concrete” by insider David Ornstein, with manager Mikel Arteta the driving force.
Mertesacker feels while there is interest from elsewhere – namely Barcelona and Pairs Saint-Germain – the Gunners are in a good position, given Arteta’s personal relationship with the midfielder coupled with his persistence in wanting to get the deal done.
“I think the clubs are queuing,” Mertesacker said
“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 clubs.”
A move to Arsenal would be a statement one. Indeed, that would see Gundogan leave the Premier League champions after a hugely successful season, where he could have stayed, for a side who lost out to them in the title race.
Of course, there is the possibility that City retain the services of the captain. Reports have suggested they’ve offered him a deal to stay at the club amid interest from elsewhere.
While winning the Champions League could be a fitting swan song for Gundogan, it could also inspire him to want to continue the period of dominance City have experienced of late, and potentially extend it from domestic competitions into Europe.
It remains to be seen whether or not that is the case, but with his deal ticking down, it won’t be long until there is an answer.
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