Arsenal ‘face competition from Saudi clubs to sign Man City star Ilkay Gundogan’… with the German ‘identified as the latest big name who could move to the Middle East’
- Arsenal are in the race to sign Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan
- However, the Gunners now face competition from an unnamed Saudi side
- Gundogan could be the latest star to make the lucrative move to Saudi Arabia
Arsenal will face competition from Saudi Arabia in the race to sign Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan, according to reports.
The Gunners have long been admirers of the Germany international, who has been linked with a move away from the Etihad despite City success.
According to evening standardclubs in Saudi Arabia have shown an interest in Gundogan and could match Arsenal’s bid for the midfielder.
Reports last month suggested Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had identified the midfielder as one of his main transfer targets in the summer window.
However, their hopes of signing the 32-year-old in the coming months may have been dashed by rumors of interest from abroad.
Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has become the target of several Saudi clubs
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have long been pursuing the signing of the German international
The Germany international has been a key part of Man City’s success and his outstanding performances have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after stars.
Gundogan had also been heavily linked with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer and looked likely to join the club for free in the summer.
However, he could now become the latest star to move to the Middle East among a number of players choosing to join the Saudi league.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that Karim Benzema has signed a three-year contract with Saudi club Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is closing in on a sensational move to the same club on a two-year deal worth £172m.
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has also been offered a lucrative £45million deal to move to the Middle East next season.
Former Real Madrid and Man United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the Saudi league since the start of the calendar year and has scored 14 goals in 16 appearances.
PSG star Lionel Messi has also been tipped to make a stunning switch to the Middle East, but that will also be challenged by lucrative offers from MLS.
The German played a crucial role in Manchester City’s recent 2-1 victory in the FA Cup final
