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Ilkay Gundogan's comments on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hint at possible summer transfer
Arsenal are interested in signing Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan in this summer's transfer window.
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is clearly a fan of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. The pair know each other from the latter's time as Pep Guardiola's assistant and a reunion could be on the cards this summer after old quotes surfaced.
Gundogan is out of contract at City at the end of June. The German wants to stay but the Premier League champions have only offered him a one-year deal at this point.
Gundogan wants at least a two-year deal to commit his future to the Etihad club. City have been reluctant to offer that to a 32-year-old, though recent reports suggest they may be relaxing their stance.
That may be because their nearest title rivals Arsenal are interested in signing him. Gundogan has finished the season in fine form and Arteta is keen on taking him to the Emirates on a free transfer.
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Gundogan joined City in the summer of 2016, the same year Arteta became Guardiola's assistant. They spent three-and-half seasons together before Arsenal came calling for the Spaniard in December 2019.
Arteta has been glowing in his praise of Gundogan since taking the Gunners job. In February 2021, he praised the midfielder's adaptability on the pitch.
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."
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Later that same year, Arteta's next comment on Gundogan was perhaps more telling of his opinion of the player, suggesting there was no selfishness in his play but he makes team-mates around him better. Arteta said: "Maybe he doesn’t shine, but he allows others to shine."
Gundogan was made aware of that quote in an interview with L'Equipe in November 2021. He couldn't hide his gratitude for Arteta, making it clear he is a fan of the former Arsenal skipper.
In direct response to the comment, Gundogan said: "I really like this quote, I often use it to describe my game. It’s important to have a clear idea of how you can help your team-mates or not. I have never been selfish and never will be."
Gundogan may end up staying at City as Pep Guardiola won't want to lose another player to Arsenal. But if a new contract cannot be agreed, don't be surprised to see him pull on the famous red and white next term.
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