Ilkay Gundogan’s transfer to Barcelona ‘CONFIRMED’ in bitter blow for Arsenal as LaLiga giants swoop in at eleventh hour
BARCELONA have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Ilkay Gundogan, it's been claimed.
The Manchester City midfielder is set to become a free agent at the end of the month following the expiration of his contract at Eastlands.
Gundogan was offered a new one-year deal at the Etihad but snubbed the offer in order to move onto pastures new.
And according to reports, the Germany international has decided to join Spanish giants Barcelona.
It's claimed Gundogan has inked a two-year deal at the Nou Camp with the option of a further 12 months.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Ilkay Gundogan to Barcelona, here we go!
"Final approval arrived on [the] club side to register him as [a] new signing, green light from the player.
"It’s done deal, signed [a] few minutes ago.
"Gundogan has agreed a two-year deal valid until June 2025 with option for [a] further year."
Barcelona's reported snapping up of Gundogan will be a hammer blow to City's Premier League rivals Arsenal.
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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was hoping to lure the City fan favourite to the Emirates this summer to boost his side's chances of Prem glory next season.
But the prospect of playing his football at the Nou Camp and winning a third domestic title in as many countries has seemingly been too much for the midfielder to resist.
Gundogan, 32, was instrumental in Manchester City's historic treble-winning season - in which they captured the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
The former Borussia Dortmund lit the blue touch paper in the FA Cup final against Manchester United earlier this month with a superb volley after just 12 seconds.
But he was coy about his future after helping City secure their second of three trophies.
He said: "To be honest, I don't need these kinds of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.
"I know that, that's why I'm here seven years, all the ups and downs that I've had so far.
"Nothing is decided yet, so we're going to see what is going to happen."