Pep Guardiola has already explained why Ilkay Gundogan will be the perfect signing for Arsenal with Granit Xhaka expected to leave. The Switzerland international has been heavily linked with an exit from the Emirates Stadium recently, and Mikel Arteta appears to be preparing for his departure.
football.london understands that Xhaka is in advanced talks with Bayer Leverkusen over of potential move in the summer. It's said that a deal, which would see the Swiss join the Bundesliga outfit for €15million (£13million), is on the verge of being completed, with a contract until 2027 is on the table.
Xhaka has played an integral role in the Gunners' success this season and Gundogan has reportedly been identified as potential replacement. If Pep Guardiola's latest praise for the Germany international is anything to go by then Arsenal certainly seem to be on the right track.
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"Ilkay is such an important player," said the City boss last month. "Humanity, leading with silence - and yet when he talks everybody listens. He is a football player defined perfectly.
"An attacking midfielder with a sense of goal and assists. He is so intelligent in the moment and always in the right position. He can also play as a holding midfielder.
"Ilkay is an exceptional player in all senses. He is so intelligent, Gundo. So clever. So competitive. Under pressure… he handles it without a problem. He’s one of the best players I ever trained in my career. The whole package. He’s top. Top class."
While Arsenal may be keen to get their hands on Gundogan, they're set to face tough competition for his signature. According to the Mirror, Barcelona are also eager to secure the German's service – and City aren't exactly itching to let the midfielder go.
The report states that negotiations between Gundogan and the Premier League champions had initially hit a wall after he wasn't offered more than a 12-month extension. However, after lifting the prestigious trophy against Chelsea at the weekend, City seem to have eased their stance.
Guardiola's side are reportedly ready to offer the club captain a one-year extension with the option of a further 12 months, and it's believed that this could tempt Gundogan into staying. Securing his signature would be a huge statement by Arsenal but the Gunners could have their work cut out.
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