ARSENAL have been handed a massive boost in the race to sign Ilkay Gundogan this summer after his agent denied he has signed a new contract at Manchester City.
The City captain produced a match winning performance during the club’s FA Cup final victory on Saturday – scoring twice including a brilliant volley after 12 seconds.
GettyGundogan in Champions League action for City[/caption]
He added his second in the 51st minute with another volley from the edge of the box.
Speaking to the BBC amid City’s celebrations Gundogan was asked whether days like captaining his side to FA Cup victory might convince him to stay.
He said: “To be honest I don’t need these kinds of moments or days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.
“I know that. That’s why I’ve been here already seven years with all the ups and downs I’ve had so far.”
“But nothing is decided yet. We are going to see what is going to happen.”
It was reported before the final that Gundogan had agreed a new deal with City.
But according to the Evening Standard, Gundogan’s agent and father, Ilhan has said all options remain on the table and nothing will be decided until after the Champions League final.
Fabrizio Romano previously reported that Barcelona have offered an “important contract bid” to sign the German international on a free transfer.
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Romano also reports that City have offered a deal to keep Gundogan at the Etihad until June next year, with the option to renew by a further year next summer.
Arsenal hold a long term interest in the midfielder with manager Mikel Arteta keen on a reunion with the City man.
According to reports in Spain, The Gunners are prepared to tie Gundogan down to a longer term deal on increased wages to lure him to the Emirates.
Gundogan favours a contract of more than two years, which may convince him to join The Gunners.
With City, Arsenal and Barcelona all in a bidding war to secure the German’s services next season, the midfielder will confirm his decision after Saturday’s Champions League final.
Following their FA Cup victory over rivals United, City are now just one game away from winning the treble – they would in the process match United’s 1999 achievement and become just the second English side to achieve the feat.
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