Long-time Arsenal transfer target Ilkay Gundogan appears to be available once again this summer, sparking plenty of conversation surrounding a move.
The German international snubbed the Gunners last summer in favour of a move to Barcelona once his contract at Manchester City expired.
However, recent reports have stated that Barcelona are open to letting Gundogan leave this transfer window.
That has sparked some movement from Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals Man City, with hopes of bringing him back to the Etihad Stadium.
However, it could also spark Mikel Arteta into life before the market closes in the coming weeks.
Ilkay Gundogan on Arsenal and Barcelona transfer decision
So with Gundogan now available for a potential move to Arsenal, many will be wondering why he snubbed the Gunners the first time around.
The midfielder revealed the reason last summer when he joined Barcelona, discussing the move from Man City.
The 32-year-old told BILD: “I’m honest. And many people don’t know this: In the end, it wasn’t about a year or two [on the contract].
“There was no problem with the running time. City waited a relatively long time until the talks really intensified.
“If this had happened a little earlier, the situation would have been different. So in the end it was the perfect ending [winning the Champions League], it couldn’t have come at a better time.
“It was also my childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona.”
So with that move now seemingly set to come to a close, it could open an avenue for Gundogan to reunite with Arteta.
Should Arsenal sign Ilkay Gundogan in the summer transfer window?
With Gundogan now available, there is a potential chance to land a quality midfield option for a low fee this summer.
There is clear technical ability with the German international, who can play well in the deeper roles or arrive late to score in the more advanced positions.
Wider concerns could be taken surrounding the move though, especially given the age profile of Gundogan at 33 years old.
He would also likely command a large wage, which may be a large risk to take for a player nearing the latter end of his career.
On the other hand, talks over Mikel Merino’s move to Arsenal is more likely to tick some of the boxes required for the Gunners this summer.
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