Barcelona launch improved bid for Manchester City midfielder amid Pep Guardiola talks

Barcelona have submitted a fresh, three-year contract proposal to Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan, as per a new report.

Gundogan, who was Pep Guardiola’s first signing at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, has been heavily linked with a potential exit this summer as he enters the final weeks of his current contract.

The Germany international has enjoyed a sensational season in Manchester, leading City to a historic treble as the Blues claimed their fifth Premier League title under Guardiola, the FA Cup and a maiden Champions League honour.

Barcelona have held a long-standing interest in the 32-year-old, who took over the Manchester City armband when Fernandinho departed the club last season.

The La Liga giants are understood to be Gundogan’s preferred destination should he leave City, who have offered the club captain a two-year extension following his heroics in the treble run-in.

However, Gundogan is yet to make a final decision on his future as he weighs his options/ City, on the other hand, are pursuing moves for other midfielders and would like clarity on the former Borussia Dortmund man’s future before pre-season begins in July.

As per Pol Ballus of The Athletic, Barcelona have recently made an improved, three-year contract offer to Gundogan and manager Xavi has been in contact with the City captain to share his vision of how the German would fit into his plans at Camp Nou.

Gundogan is the main transfer priority for Xavi and Barcelona, though there remain doubts over whether the Spanish club will be able to register the Manchester City midfielder under La Liga regulations amidst their financial troubles.

Guardiola is leading the charge in Manchester for Gundogan to put pen to paper and commit his future to the English and European champions, with no response offered to Barcelona’s latest offer by the midfielder’s camp despite one being expected this week.