Ilkay Gundogan refuses to rule out Manchester City exit amid Barcelona talks

Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has refused to rule out an exit from the Etihad Stadium this summer, when the German’s current contract is due to expire.

The 32 year-old, who was Pep Guardiola’s first ever signing at Manchester City, has been linked with a potential free transfer to Barcelona at the end of the season following the expiration of his current contract.

The Catalan club are ‘growing increasingly confident’ of signing Gundogan following another round of talks with the player’s representatives last week, according to Paul Hirst of The Times.

Barcelona have reportedly offered the City skipper an initial two-year contract, with the option of a further year, a deal that is worth more than the shorter deal tabled by the Blues.

Gundogan has won 11 trophies including four Premier League titles with Manchester City, and could lift three more trophies this season, as Pep Guardiola’s side bid to win a treble.

City take a three goal advantage to Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening in the second-leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, prior to an FA Cup semi-final on Saturday and a crunch clash with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium next week.

Speaking about his future ahead of the second-leg clash against the Bundesliga giants, Gundogan refused to rule out a potential exit at the end of the campaign.

“There are talks in the background, I think it’s normal,” said the German midfielder.

“But without going into too much detail, there’s nothing decided yet so the talks continue and if there’s a decision you guys will be the first to know.”

Gundogan has played 40 matches for City so far this season, with the Sky Blues looking to reach the Champions League semi-finals for a third successive year.

Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland all scored at the Etihad Stadium last Tuesday, as City emphatically beat the German league leaders.

Discussing how City will approach Wednesday’s tie at the Allianz Arena, Gundogan revealed that “balance” would be key.

“It’s about finding the balance. We want to play our style, have to be clinical. Everything’s possible.

“This competition is special. We’re taking it very seriously and know that we’re playing against one of the best teams in Europe. That’s how we’re approaching the game.”