Ilkay Gundogan Reportedly Soon to Join Barcelona

– Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly ready to join Barcelona.

The PA news agency said the Germany international, whose contract expires this summer, was unlikely to extend his contract with the recently-winning club treble That.

Man City have offered the 32-year-old a new one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months, but Barca are understood to have presented a more tempting, and more financially lucrative, three-year package.

Man City are comfortable with the situation and the player will leave with their blessing.

The development comes on the same day Man City are understood to have agreed a £30m deal with Chelsea to sign Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

The champions are set to pay an initial £25m for the 29-year-old with an additional £5m to follow in potential add-ons.

Kovacic, who joined Chelsea from Real Madrid in 2018, is entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Man City are now hoping to finalize the formalities with the player and an official announcement will follow in due course.

Kovacic’s versatility and experience will compensate for the loss of Gundogan.

The influential former Borussia Dortmund midfielder has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League in his seven years at City.

This year Gundogan lifted three trophies after City became the second English team to win the treble.

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