Manchester City are becoming increasingly confident that they will be able to keep Ilkay Gundogan as Barcelona’s financial issues are flagged.
The German midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to commit his future to the club.
Gundogan is closing in on 300 appearances for City and he has been a vital player for Pep Guardiola over the years.
It has been suggested that the midfielder is open to a move to Barcelona in the summer, but their financial situation could prove to be a stumbling block in the deal.
According to SPORT, Man City have offered Gundogan a fresh deal worth €9million-a-year to stay in the Premier League.
While Barcelona have insisted they will offer more, the midfielder is having ‘doubts’ because of their financial situation.
Keeping the 32-year-old would prove to be a big boost to Guardiola and the rest of his squad.
Gundogan is one of the leaders in the camp and he has been especially useful this season. Racking up over 2,100 minutes of football, he has been Man City’s fifth most-used player.
In the league, he has seven goal contributions with four goals and three assists to his name.
The Man City manager was asked about the importance of the German midfielder in a recent press conference.
“He is so important,” said Guardiola. “He’s so important as a player. His humanity, leading silently but when he talks, everyone listens, this is so important.
“A football player defined perfectly – he can play attacking midfielder and is so intelligent in the movements and every movement he has to do he is in the right position.
“He can play a holding midfielder, too. He is one of the most exceptional players in all senses… incredible.
“I love him. I adore him. I’m married, but I love him!”
The 32-year-old has spent the last seven years in Manchester and has won 11 trophies in that time.
If Barcelona can’t offer the same sort of wages as Man City, then the German midfielder could well end up staying in the Premier League.
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