Ilkay Gundogan has shown once again why he would be a shrewd signing for Arsenal were he to become the latest player with Manchester City connections to make such a move.
Just last summer Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko swapped the Etihad Stadium for the Emirates Stadium in a £67million package deal and they immediately raised the standards within the first-team squad, even if it wasn't enough to get the Gunners over the line in this season's Premier League title race.
But the Gundogan links, as per The Athletic, can be viewed differently. Firstly, the German has played a bigger part in City's title wins in comparison to the aforementioned pair and on Saturday afternoon at Wembley Stadium he netted a brace in the FA Cup final victory over Manchester United.
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Secondly, and unlike Joao Cancelo who is also reportedly on Arsenal's radar ahead of the summer window, the Germany international wouldn't command a transfer fee due to his contract at the Etihad Stadium expiring at the month.
In fact, amid links to newly-crowned La Liga champions Barcelona, since January 1, 2023 Gundogan has been free to speak with Xavi's side as well as teams outside of England with regards to a pre-contract agreement, which would then come into effect from July 1, 2023.
However, the fact there's not yet been an announcement for his next move means all options remain open. He could either sign a new two-year deal - which is thought to be on the table - with Man City; make the switch to Spain; or seal a reunion with Mikel Arteta in north London.
Even with reported interest in Gundogan and the fact the German international's contract expires soon, the Gunners have had to remain patient with regard to making an official approach. This is because of the ruling that states 'Premier League players can agree pre-contracts with any club in England, but only up to one month before the expiry of their current deals'.
All of this is in place because domestic transfers are regulated by each country's football associations rather than FIFA, and The FA in England are eager to ensure that there is no conflict of interest should a player play against his future club, so any pre-contracts can only be agreed after the final game of a season.
As a result, Arsenal are now free to make an approach with the Premier League season concluding last week. Having said that, there is a problem with this plan as according to Spanish outlet Sport, Gundogan is ready to 'close the chapter' on his spell in the Premier League and has been convinced to join Barcelona.
Meanwhile, Corriere dello Sport have claimed Serie A giants AC Milan are in 'advanced talks' to bring the 32-year-old to the San Siro. Now, if reports coming out of Spain or Italy are accurate then Arsenal won't be signing Gundogan at all and will therefore have to look at alternatives.
With Pep Guardiola's side in the Champions League final next Saturday evening against Internazionale it could be a while yet before the midfielder's next move is revealed and Gundogan, as Man City captain, led the FA Cup final celebrations following the 2-1 win over Man United and despite being quizzed on his future, he chose to remain tight-lipped.
"To be honest I don’t need these kind of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club," he said. "I know that, that is why I am here already seven years with all the ups and downs I’ve had so far. Nothing is decided yet so we’re gonna see what’s going to happen."
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