Ilkay Gundogan's Club at Start of 2023/24*

Ilkay Gundogan has played a pivotal role in Manchester City's success the last couple of seasons, with the German having been a regular feature in a team that claimed a fifth Premier League title in the space of six seasons. However, with the player officially out of contract, could he be seeking pastures new now the season is over?

Gundogan’s future at the Etihad Stadium is unclear despite the fact that he’s been one of Pep Guardiola’s best players over the past few seasons. The 32-year-old is out of contract at Manchester City this summer, and it’s possible that he will call time on an amazing stint with the Cityzens that started in 2016. The latest odds suggest that Barcelona is an increasingly likely destination.

Although bookies still think there’s a possibility that Gundogan will remain at Manchester City and sign a new contract with the English champions, there is growing speculation that Barcelona will persuade the player that his future lies in Spain. Arsenal are also reported to be interested in snaring yet another star from the north-west giants but Barca are now in the box seat.

Will Manchester City Retain Gundogan’s Services?

Ilkay Gundogan was relatively unknown in England when arriving at Manchester City from Dortmund in the summer of 2016, but he will now go down as one of the best midfielders in the history of the Premier League. The 32-year-old has made 187 appearances for the Cityzens in the league and scored an impressive 44 goals despite often playing in a holding role.

Gundogan has helped City win five titles in the past six seasons along with a host of other silverware. Given his still-important role, City could offer him a short-term contract that would see the German continue with a club he holds dear to his heart, with the player scoring a sensational opener in the 2023 FA Cup final after just 12 seconds before firing home the winner, though the odds with the best betting apps suggest that might not be the case.

On the flip side, we have seen other high-profile players move on at an advancing age, and perhaps Pep might feel as though he’s had the best years of Gundogan, with Fernandinho, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero among the players who have previously been allowed to leave the club when in the latter parts of their careers.

Barcelona Could Be in Pole Position to Land Gundogan’s Signature

If Ilkay Gundogan decides it’s the right time to leave Manchester City this summer, perhaps the German will switch to the Camp Nou and enjoy the chance to represent La Liga champions Barcelona next season. Barca have always been a big draw to world-class players around the world, and the former Dortmund player might jump at the chance to head to Spain.

Barca were able to win the La Liga title under Xavi this season, and the manager might look to recruit a player who has a similar style to his own when he played for Barcelona and Spain. 

The odds with football betting sites suggest that Gundogan could be heading to Barcelona and representing them in the Champions League next term. At least this would mean he wouldn’t line up against City domestically, which would suit Pep Guardiola.

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Milan Also Keen to Land Midfield Maestro

AC Milan will be looking to regain the Scudetto next season, and they clearly covet a midfielder who is one of the best in the business. The big positive for the Serie A outfit is that Ilkay Gundogan has close ties with the city; his son was born there thanks to his wife being Italian.

At this stage of his career, perhaps he will call time on living in England. A 2023 Champions League success could be the icing on the cake for a player who has won everything that there is to win at the Etihad Stadium, with Milan being able to offer him a lucrative package and a lifestyle change.

The odds suggest that Milan have thrown their hat into the ring, although they're probably unlikely to land a player whose most likely destination is Barcelona should he leave Manchester City.

Could Arsenal Land Another Manchester City Star?

It’s possible that yet another Manchester City player could make the switch from the Etihad to the Emirates this summer. After Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko signed for Arsenal last summer, perhaps the stage is set for Gundogan to make a similar move, and it would be a transfer that would be widely acclaimed by Arsenal supporters.

Gundogan would slot seamlessly into central midfield where Arsenal have often been lacking options, especially when Thomas Partey has been injured. The fact that the London side are also competing in the Champions League next term means a bigger squad is essential.

There have been media reports that Arsenal are plotting a move for Gundogan, with the player having worked with Mikel Arteta at the Etihad Stadium as Guardiola’s assistant. Having scored 11 goals for City last season, he has provided a goal threat among other things, and the odds with betting sites suggest a move to Arsenal could be on the cards.

Could Gundogan Return to Germany and Join Bayern?

Bayern Munich had their trials and tribulations last season, and Thomas Tuchel will surely be looking for new players as he aims to reshape his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. One of those new recruits could be Ilkay Gundogan, who might be keen for a return to his native Germany after seven years away.

Bayern could certainly afford this player and recently acquired Joao Cancelo from Manchester City on a loan deal with an option to buy. Perhaps Gundogan could be drawn by the prospect of working with Tuchel and helping the Bavarian side continue their dominance in the Bundesliga after winning an 11th successive title on the final day of the campaign.

PSG Might Throw Hat Into Ring for Gundogan

A player’s age doesn’t seem to be a huge factor for Paris St-Germain considering they have signed players like Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos in rceent seasons despite their best days being behind them. Marquee signings are often the name of the game at this club, and they might be interested in a midfielder who helped Manchester City win a historic treble in England.

Financially, PSG would be able to come up with a lucrative package for a player such as Gundogan, although the prospect of turning out for the Ligue 1 team might not appeal for a midfielder who would want to get guaranteed first-team football, and there have often been situations at the Parc des Princes where that hasn’t happened to big signings. The odds with most betting apps suggest he may be a long shot to land in Paris at present.