‘He’s a close friend’: Pep Guardiola says he’s actually good mates with £140,000-a-week star Arsenal want to sign
Arsenal has been strongly connected with the potential signing of Ilkay Gundogan, a prominent player from Manchester City, during the upcoming summer transfer window. Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has disclosed that Gundogan is one of his close friends.
In the FA Cup final held yesterday, Gundogan was the standout performer. He scored two goals, aiding City in their victory over Manchester United. Following the match, the main topic of discussion revolved around Gundogan’s future.
Gundogan’s existing contract, valued at £140,000 per week (according to Spotrac), is set to expire in less than a month. Guardiola expressed his thoughts on the matter shortly after the final at Wembley.
Pep Guardiola says Arsenal target Ilkay Gundogan is his ‘close friend’
Around a week ago, The Athletic reported that Arsenal have shown interest in acquiring Ilkay Gundogan from Manchester City on a free transfer in the upcoming summer. Mikel Arteta, who previously worked with Gundogan as an assistant at Manchester City, hopes to capitalize on their relationship to persuade the player to join Arsenal, similar to his success with Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko last year.
While Pep Guardiola allowed Jesus and Zinchenko to move to Arsenal, he is determined to retain Gundogan, whom he considers one of his closest friends. Following the FA Cup final, Guardiola was asked about Gundogan, revealing that they are actually neighbors and expressing his desire for the midfielder to remain at Manchester City.
He said in his press conference, as relayed on Hayters TV: “He knows what I think. Maybe someone of you know, we are neighbours, we live on the same floor. For many years, he’s a close friend of mine.
“As a player, he’s exceptional. Hopefully, we can finish in a good way. Txiki [Begiristain, City’s director of football] is working and hopefully, we can do it, because this season (what) he has done is exceptional.
“Don’t forget (against) Aston Villa – the two goals he scored. This season he scored many many times he scored important goals.”
Gundogan delivered an exceptional performance for Manchester City in the FA Cup final against Manchester United today. The German midfielder made an immediate impact by scoring a remarkable goal just 12 seconds into the game. He further extended his contribution in the second half by adding another goal, aiding his team in securing the cup and keeping their hopes alive for a treble.
With the Champions League final approaching next weekend, Gundogan and Manchester City are now focusing on that important match. Subsequently, the German player will have to make a decision about his future, and Arsenal will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the situation.
If Mikel Arteta manages to secure Gundogan’s signing, it would undoubtedly be a significant statement for Arsenal as they prepare for the upcoming season.
‘He’s a close friend’: Pep Guardiola says he’s actually good mates with £140,000-a-week star Arsenal want to sign
