15 April 2023 , 01:00
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Ilkay Gundogan's agent and uncle has insisted the midfielder has "no agreement" with another club amid links to Barcelona.
Germany international Gundogan was Pep Guardiola's first signing at Manchester City and signed new terms with the club in 2019. His current deal expires at the end of the season, though, and he could leave the Etihad Stadium on a free just one year after scoring the goal which won them the 2021-22 Premier League title.
Were the former Borussia Dortmund man to move to Camp Nou, it could open the door for Chelsea to move for Barca starlet Gavi. The Blues have been tipped to come back in for the Spaniard, but the first domino is yet to fall.
“I am surprised at where the stories come from about a deal closed for many weeks," Ilhan Gundogan is quoted as saying by AS (via Barca Blaugranes ). "There is still no agreement with any club. It is not yet decided where he will play in the next few years.
“Ilkay can still win three major trophies this season as Manchester City captain. That’s the only thing he’s focused on right now.”
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
Ilkay Gundogan is closing in on 300 senior appearances under Guardiola at City. He has scored five goals in all competitions this season, with the team currently second in the league and into the FA Cup semi-finals and Champions League quarter-finals.
Where will Gundogan be playing next season? Have your say in the comments section.
Gundogan is having another fine season with Manchester City (Getty Images)City could yet make midfield additions of their own over the summer, regardless of whether Gundogan stays at the club. Guardiola has added Kalvin Phillips and Maximo Perrone to the club's ranks over the last 12 months, but that didn't stop him being quizzed on a potential move for Jude Bellingham.
"How many press conferences [do] you come here? You know that," City's manager said in his press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League game at home to Leicester City.
"It's not necessary, you have to prepare better. You come here, prepare the questions, knowing me, which answers I'm going. [to give] to your question."
Bellingham had also been linked with Liverpool, only for the Reds to be priced out of a move. Chelsea's links with Gavi suggest the too are still after midfield reinforcements despite breaking their transfer record for Enzo Fernandez in January.
Chelsea themselves could lose the out-of-contract N'Golo Kante at the end of the current campaign, while Denis Zakaria looks set to return to parent club Juventus at the end of his season-long loan. Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher have also been linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, with Liverpool reportedly keeping tabs on the England internationals going into the summer transfer window.