Arsenal “face competition from Saudi clubs to sign Man City star Ilkay Gundogan”…with the German identified as “the latest big name to move to the Middle East”
- Arsenal was in the race to sign Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan
- However, Arsenal now face competition from an unnamed Saudi side
- Gundogan may be the latest superstar to make the lucrative switch to Saudi Arabia
It has been reported that Arsenal will face competition from Saudi Arabia in the race to sign Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan.
Arsenal have long been admirers of the Germany international, who has been linked with a move away from the Etihad despite City’s success.
According to the Evening Standard, clubs in Saudi Arabia have shown interest in Gundogan and could rival Arsenal’s bid for the midfielder.
Reports last month indicated that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had identified the midfielder as one of his primary summer transfer targets.
However, their hopes of signing the 32-year-old in the coming months may have been dashed amid rumors of interest from abroad.
Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has emerged as a target for a number of Saudi clubs
Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, have long been chasing the Germany international’s signature
The Germany international has been a key feature in Manchester City’s success and has already won the Premier League and FA Cup this season.
He could become the latest superstar to move to the Middle East amid a number of players choosing to join the Saudi League.
And he confirmed, on Tuesday, that Karim Benzema signed a three-year contract with the Saudi Al-Ittihad club, after his departure from Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is closing in on an exciting transfer for the same club on a two-year deal worth £172m.
Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has also been offered a lucrative £45m deal to move to the Middle East next season.
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has been playing in the Saudi league since the beginning of the calendar year and scored 14 goals in 16 matches.
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi is also tipped to make the stunning transition to the Middle East, but that will also be rivaled by lucrative bids from MLS.
The German played a crucial role in Manchester City’s recent 2-1 victory in the FA Cup Final
