Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan ‘is eager to secure move to Barcelona on a free transfer’

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is edging closer to a move to Barcelona.

The 32-year-old’s City contract expires at the end of June and he could join Barcelona on a free transfer, with the LaLiga side prepared to offer him a two-year deal, as reported by Sport.

Gundogan has been at City since 2016 but wants to leave the club, with Barcelona his preferred destination.

Barcelona boss Xavi is eager to get a deal done, and has reportedly made a ‘special request’ to sign Gundogan despite the club’s financial difficulties. 

In order to make high-profile signings, Barcelona will have to significantly reduce their wage bill and they are looking to slash it by 200 million euros (£175.8million).

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is eager to join Barcelona on a free transfer

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Barcelona boss Xavi made a ‘special request’ to the club’s board for the signing of Gundogan

Gundogan has continued to feature prominently for City this season and during his time at the club he has made 290 appearances in total, scoring 53 goals and providing 37 assists.

As well as winning five Premier League titles, Gundogan has also won the FA Cup and four League Cups.

City have found it difficult to reach an agreement with Gundogan over a new deal.

Gundogan has been a City player since 2016 but doesn’t want to stay beyond this season

Barcelona are at risk of losing 18-year-old midfielder Gavi on a free transfer having been unable to register him as a permanent first-team player.

Gavi’s contract includes a clause that could see him leave for free on June 30. 

Barcelona are also facing the threat of a possible Champions League ban after it was revealed that they paid millions of dollars to companies linked to a Spanish refereeing official.