Ilkay Gundogan has become the focal point of the transfer window for Barcelona lately, as the Catalans look to beef up their ranks in the middle of the park this summer.
Gundogan has emerged as a sought-after prospect in the market after he led Manchester City to a historic treble this season. With his contract at Etihad expiring at the end of the month, Barcelona are eyeing a Bosman move for the player.
There have been strong links to Barça, with reports even suggesting that a move to the Catalan club was close.
However, the midfielder, valued at €25 million in the market, has now claimed that he is yet to make a decision, although he did admit that Barcelona is a beautiful city, teasing a possible move.
“No decision has been made yet, I am in the process of deciding my future,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo. “Barcelona is a beautiful city,” he added.
At the same time, Gundogan revealed that there had been an approach from his former club Borussia Dortmund, but he is not keen on a return to the Bundesliga.
“There was contact with Borussia Dortmund but it was never close since a return to the Bundesliga is not in my plans,” he added.
However, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is not too keen on offloading Gundogan and wants the player to extend his contract at Etihad. But he is also aware of the interest from Barcelona.
In a recent press interaction, Guardiola reacted to speculations linking Gundogan with a move to Barcelona. He confirmed his desire to keep hold of the midfielder but admitted Barcelona could be an excellent club for the German.
“I know Barça love Gündogan and Xavi has called him many times. We want him to continue — if in the end, he decides to join Barça, I will tell him that he will have a great time,” he said.
The Catalans have recently improved their three-year offer to Gundogan, but the player has yet to make a decision on his future. With Man City also trying to extend the player’s contract, there is a sense of uncertainty in the club’s pursuit of the German.
Barcelona, though, are expecting an answer from Gundogan in the near future, perhaps by the end of the current week.