Barcelona seriously interested in Bosman move for Man City star this summer

Barcelona are reportedly interested in snapping up Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a Bosman transfer this summer.

The 32-year-old has been a key figure for Pep Guardiola’s City in recent seasons and was named club captain in the summer after the departure of Brazilian Fernandinho and remains a regular, having played 25 times in all competitions so far this season.

However, the German midfielder will be out of contract with Man City at the end of the season, and even though he is already eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of England, the Citizens have yet to extend his deal.

It has paved the way for rumours about his future beyond the summer, with Barcelona keen on snapping up his services before next season.

As Barcelona continue their pursuit of a new midfielder, they are showing serious interest in signing Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan on a Bosman transfer in the summer, reports Mike McGrath on The Telegraph.

As per the report, a move for N’Golo Kante of Chelsea is also under consideration, but the Frenchman is likely to renew his contract at Stamford Bridge. It has compelled Barcelona to take a more serious interest in the services of Gundogan.

The Premier League champions could still yet to decide to offer Gundogan a new contract to keep him at the Etihad Stadium or may be happy to let him seek a new challenge and snap up a replacement, as they are already targeting Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

@ManCityzenscom: “Please no.”

@Apihsa: “Not these guys again.”

@DxBruyneSZN: “If this happens I’ll be fuming.”

@loganbarreh: “Let him go we need a PROPER refresh in the summer and we gotta be ruthless about it.”

@HWestwoodP: “I’ll be sad to see him go (less so the other midfielder who’s also likely to go there) but I think a squad overhaul is exactly what we need, letting some big senior guys go to make money and room available for new blood cos the makeup of things right now is super stale.”

@LBingham02: “If city sign Bellingham then I’d say Gundogan would leave. He’s a great player, I’d like him to stay another season tbf. But we would have to replace him. Also will city expect interest and offers for Bernardo silva this summer? City need a winger and a new full back (left/right).”

@buyingtheleague: “I think it’s probably time for a midfield shake-up, Gundogan has been a great servant and if he wants this move I’m really not against it.”

@TyrMCFC_: “As long as we get a replacement i’m fine with it.”