Arsenal Losing Race to Sign Germany International Amidst UCL Doubts
Following their 2-0 defeat at Tyneside to Newcastle on Monday night, Arsenal are not only on the verge of losing out on a UCL spot but also they risk losing out on Germany and Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan in the transfer market.
The Gunners are currently fifth on the log with 66 points after losing to Spurs and Newcastle back-to-back, causing a massive dent in their UCL quest ahead of next season. The Gunners are also nursing many injured players, especially their defenders who have been unfit in the last couple of weeks. Gabriel has struggled with his fitness and he had to be taken off in the game against Newcastle on Monday night.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is also just recovering from an injury that left him sidelined for 2-3 months. Arteta confirmed that Ben White has been playing with a knock and these are not good signs for the Gunners as they must hope that Spurs lose at Carrow Road on Sunday and they win at Everton.
Arsenal are in contact with the agent of Brazil international Gabriel Jesus, whom Mikel Arteta views as a good option to replace the departing Alex Lacazette. Arsenal are also monitoring Germany international and also Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and the board have been impressed with Gundogan's recent exploits at City and see him as a good signing should he agree to their terms.
Gundogan's agent is currently working on a deal that will see him remain at the Etihad for two more seasons but it is looking very unlikely as the City board does not intend to keep Gundoan. It is possible the 32-year-old will leave at the end of this season and Arsenal are presumed to be his most likely destination. However, the Gunners' chances of qualifying for the Champions League is looking rather bleak and this could be a stumbling block in Arsenal's pursuit of the midfield engine.
The DFB international has received various offers from around Europe, with clubs in Germany, Italy, and Spain monitoring the 3x Premier League winner. Gundogan is hoping he has a shot at staying at City for longer than next season but with possibilities looking slim, he may consider other options elsewhere.
Gundogan signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 and won his first PL title in the 2017/2018 season. He also won the FA Cup in 2019, when City defeated Watford 6-0 at Wembley. He most recently won the PL title in 2021, playing a crucial role in the squad that season. He also has four winners' medals in the League Cup, capping off a successful career in English football. Gundogan plays primarily as a centre midfielder and also as an attacking midfielder on certain occasions.