Ilkay Gundogan's agent speaks out on future amid Arsenal and Barcelona offers

The agent of Ilkay Gundogan has shut down claims the midfielder has agreed to remain at Manchester City, with Arsenal and Barcelona still in the race.

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Gundogan is out of contract at the end of the month, when he can leave the Etihad on a free transfer, and has been approached by a number of clubs – with his agent free to speak to foreign sides since the turn of the year.

The 32-year-old was thought to be close to joining Barcelona, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has also made a late play to try and lure the German to north London.

But recent reports claimed Gundogan’s starring role for City in their quest for the treble has prompted a rethink.

The Premier League champions were initially only offering their captain a one-year extension, but his magnificent form – and Pep Guardiola’s desire to keep him – saw the club up their offer to a two-year deal.

Gundogan was expected to accept City’s improved proposal, but now his agent and brother, Ilhan, has quelled talk of the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder having already decided to stay at the Etihad.

‘Nothing has been agreed with City or any other club,’ Ilhan told Fabrizio Romano when asked about rumours Gundogan has committed to stay at City.

‘The recent reports are not true. Ilkay is only focused on the [Champions League] final.’

Gundogan netted back-to-back Premier League braces against Leeds and Everton to help push City towards their third successive title, while he also netted both of his side’s goals in Sunday’s FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester United.

Asked if winning at Wembley made him want to stay at City, Gundogan told the BBC: ‘To be honest I don’t need these kind of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.

‘I know that, that’s why I am here already seven years, with all the ups and downs that I’ve had so far.

‘And nothing is decided yet, so we’re going to see what’s going to happen.’

Gundogan’s agent has been spotted at Barcelona’s offices in Catalonia several times in the past few months, with Xavi believed to view him as an ideal signing to provide experience in the wake of Sergio Busquets’ departure.

Arteta would also love to add Gundogan’s know-how and nous to his Arsenal side, who fell just short of City this season, but Guardiola is pushing for City’s hierarchy to tie down the German’s future.

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