Gundogan could extend Man City stay due to eye-watering demands

04 June 2023 , 12:04

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Gundogan was City's hero in the FA Cup final (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Ilkay Gundogan will demand eye-watering money to make him quit Manchester City.

Gundogan, 32, is a free agent this summer when his contract at the Etihad expires and his representatives are allowed to hold talks with potential clubs.

But no club has reached an agreement which has only increased the chances of him staying at City beyond this season even with his contract value sky-rocketing.

Barcelona and AC Milan are both interested in the midfielder and have held talks about signing him as a free agent. Arsenal have also been linked with the Germany International. But Gundogan has insisted publicly that nothing has yet to be agreed.

Barcelona have even discussed putting together a three year deal to help spread the cost and tempt Gundogan to sign at the Nou Camp, despite the Spanish club’s ongoing financial issues.

Pep Guardiola went back on his word after blocking last-ditch Barcelona transfer

City boss Pep Guardiola also insists he remains hopeful that Gundogan will stay at the club and commit himself to a new deal.

That now seems increasingly likely because no other club has been able to agree a deal for the in-demand FA Cup final hero.

Gundogan scores City's opener at Wembley (Getty Images)

Gundogan scored twice against United at Wembley, his first coming after 13 seconds to break the record for the fastest FA Cup final goal.

Pep Guardiola confirmed City's football director Txiki Begiristain was looking to persuade Gundogan to agree a new deal, admitting: "Hopefully he will be successful."

The City boss added: "He has a special mentality. He knows what I think of him. He plays the big games like they are friendlies. He can cope with the pressure.”

Speaking to BBC after the game about his future, the German insisted: "Nothing is decided yet. We're going to see what's going to happen."

John Cross