ATLETICO MADRID have joined the list of clubs keeping tabs on Ilkay Gundogan’s situation at Manchester City.
The German international is into the final year of his contract at the Etihad and will be free to talk to clubs in January.
And the fact he will be a free transfer if he decides to move in the summer means there will be no shortage of interest.
That would particularly appeal to Atletico who have been eliminated from the Champions League and will need to budget accordingly.
There is also likely to be interest from Germany – with Bayern Munich believed to be interested – while his boyhood favourites Galatasaray could also make a move.
Gundogan – who turned 32 last month – was named club captain at City at the start of the season following the departure of Fernandinho.
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He was Pep Guardiola’s first signing after taking over in 2016 and may feel the time is right for a fresh challenge.
City have not ruled out offering him an extension although they are likely to make a new midfielder their priority in the summer transfer market.
However, Gundogan’s wife could be pushing for him to change surroundings after she criticised the local cuisine in Manchester.
Stunning Italian Sara Arfaoui, 27, claimed it was all “horrible frozen food”.
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Gundogan has made 270 appearances since joining City, scoring 51 goals and adding 34 assists.
Even this season he continues to be a key player for Guardiola, with the ex-Borussia Dortmund star making 17 appearances so far.
As well as Atletico, Barcelona have also been reported to be keeping tabs on his situation.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
