https://www.mcfcwatch.com/2018/06/1...ity-midfielder-a-major-summer-target-report/#
Barcelona have identified Manchester City midfielder
Ilkay Gündogan as a major summer target to replace the outgoing Andres Iniesta, according to Charlie Wyett, football editor of
The Sun.
The 27-year-old is an important member of Pep Guardiola’s Man City squad, despite not being a guaranteed starter, and Barça see him as having the right profile to step in for club legend Iniesta.
According to the report, Gündogan, who cost City a reported £20million when he joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, would set Barcelona back in excess of £50million were he to be sold.
City have no desire to let the German international leave and are likely to offer him a new contract soon, which would extend his stay beyond 2020.
The idea of becoming a regular for the Spanish champions could turn Gündogan’s head however, and it remains to be seen how he would respond if Barcelona follow up on their interest with a bid.
Gündogan
had an agreement to join the La Liga giants in 2015, but then-coach Luis Enrique insisted on signing Arda Turan and a proposed deal collapsed – leading to him joining City the following year.
Ilkay made 46 appearances in all competitions for City in the double-winning 2017-18 season, starting 15 of the team’s 38 Premier League fixtures.