Former Arsenal transfer target Ilkay Gundogan appears to be set for an exit from Barcelona this month, according to recent reports.
The Gunners were linked with a switch for the German international last summer, with his contract at rivals Manchester City expiring.
Mikel Arteta was unable to persuade the midfielder to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium as he joined Barcelona instead.
In his first season in Catalonia, Gundogan made 51 appearances across all competitions, scoring five goals and assisting 14 of his teammates.
The 33-year-old could only help Barcelona to a second-place finish in La Liga, which may be his only year in the division.
That’s because recent reports from The Athletic claim that Gundogan is open to leaving Barcelona in the coming weeks of the transfer window.
So could, and perhaps should, Arsenal make a move for the experienced star before the market slams shut?
What Mikel Arteta has previously said about Ilkay Gundogan
Arteta has been on the lookout for a new midfielder, as Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Mikel Merino this summer.
However, in Gundogan, the Arsenal boss has already described exactly why he may be the perfect option for the Gunners.
Speaking back in February 2021, Arteta said: “Well I think now he’s playing a higher role in the team.
“He’s always had the ability to arrive in the box and has great timing and great qualities to finish the actions.
“Before he played a deeper role and he had the license to do that. He’s a tremendous player and he’s doing really, really well this season.”
It shows the quality to be flexible, offering a chance for Gundogan to pair with Declan Rice in those deeper build-up moments, while also adding an attacking threat further up the pitch.
His quality helped Manchester City get many title races over the line, but maybe he could be an option to help Arsenal finally land their long-awaited Premier League trophy.
Man City eye Ilkay Gundogan transfer return
There may be even more reason for Arsenal to reignite their interest in Gundogan, due to their rivals.
According to The Athletic, Man City are exploring the possibility of bringing the German back to the Etihad Stadium this summer.
That may only further strengthen Pep Guardiola and the squad at his disposal for the upcoming title challenge.
Given Arteta’s previous praise not only fitting the mould of what Arsenal need in midfield, the fact that their closest rivals are involved may need to spur on a move sooner rather than later.
There may be some hesitation, due to the age profile and likely wage demands, but it remains to be seen if the Gunners will push the boat out to get that final piece of the puzzle in place for the season ahead.
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