Arsenal have been handed fresh hope of signing Ilkay Gundogan, with the Manchester City star's honest account of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko speaking volumes. The 32-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium, with his contract set to expire at the end of next month.
Gundogan has featured 30 times for City in the Premier League this season, directly contributing towards 13 goals from midfield. His impressive performances have helped Pep Guardiola's side win a third successive English top-flight title – and a fifth in six years.
With Granit Xhaka expected to leave Arsenal in the summer, Mikel Arteta is eager to further bolster his options in the middle of the park ahead of next term. football.london understands that the Switzerland international is in advanced talks to sign for Bayer Leverkusen.
READ MORE: Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'interested' in striking huge deal after $120m agreement
It's said that a deal, which would see Xhaka join the Bundesliga outfit for €15million (£13million), is on the verge of being completed, with a contract until 2027 on the table. The Swiss has played a pivotal role in the Gunners' success this season and Gundogan has reportedly been identified as worthy replacement.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal are determined to sign Declan Rice and Mason Mount this summer, but they could target a third midfielder if Xhaka does leave. The report states that the north Londoners hold 'concrete interest' in Gundogan, but they face tough competition from Barcelona.
However, the Gunners could have leverage over the Spanish giants. The Germany international previously played alongside Jesus and Zinchenko at City, and he seems to have enjoyed doing so.
Last summer, the Gundogan conducted a Q&A session on Twitter. When he was asked about how he felt about their departures, he replied: "Both [are] great players and characters. Great signings for Arsenal who will make them even more dangerous next season. Especially Gabi [Jesus] has shown that already in his first games."
With Arsenal in the market for midfield reinforcements, football.london understands that the Gunners are looking to sign Declan Rice from West Ham. It's said that a potential deal could be jeopardised by the fact that Chelsea are also long admirers of the England international.
However, the Blues do not have Champions League – let alone Europa League or Conference League – qualification under their belts which could prove costly...
READ NEXT:
Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke 'interested' in striking deal after $120m agreement
What Ilkay Gundogan has said about Arsenal speaks volumes amid Mikel Arteta and Edu summer plan
David Moyes requests three Arsenal stars in clever Declan Rice part exchange transfer offer
Arsenal to announce release list as exit confirmed and talk of third Reiss Nelson contract offer
Arsenal news and transfer LIVE: All the latest updates from the Emirates Stadium
