Pep Guardiola hopes to keep Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City but admits he is aware of interest from Barcelona.
Gundogan will become a free agent when his contract expires on June 30, with the German midfielder included in Friday's released list. The 32-year-old is still in talks with the club over a new deal, but is thought to be weighing up his options.
City made a push to keep Gundogan at the Etihad towards the end of the season, following a brilliant run of form in a crucial period through April and May. However the length of a new deal is thought to be a sticking point, with the Blues currently only willing to offer a one-year deal with the option to extend a further 12 months.
Barcelona and Arsenal are both interested in signing the German international on a free transfer, while former club Borussia Dortmund have also made an offer for him to return. But Guardiola remains hopeful his club captain will stay at leats another year.
ALSO READ: Man City name Ilkay Gundogan on released list despite contract talks
“I’m aware of Barcelona interest but we’re also very interested in keeping him at Manchester City,” Guardiola said, as reported by El Chiringuito TV. “I hope he stays with us. If Barça succeed in signing him, they will get a great, fantastic player.”
City look set to face a number of potential departures this summer, with the futures of Gundogan and Bernardo Silva both uncertain. Joao Cancelo could also be on the move, following his exile from the squad in January and a loan to Bayern Munich.
The German side have an option to make Cancelo's loan permanent for around €70million, while Barcelona are also thought to be interested in the Portuguese international.
“We didn’t get an offer for Joao Cancelo from Barca,” Guardiola stated.
With several first-team players potentially leaving this summer, Guardiola will no doubt be looking to refresh his squad ahead of another push for every available trophy next season. News of Kylian Mbappe's potential sale by Paris Saint-Germain has set the transfer mill running, and City are one of few sides in the world who could afford the Frenchman.
However Guardiola nipped any speculation in the bud, denying any intention to sign Mbappe while hinting the striker may already have a destination in mind. “No, you know where he wants to go,” the City boss said.
READ NEXT
