Arsenal can follow the Liverpool blueprint by securing the services of Ilkay Gundogan with a clever transfer move later this month which Manchester City might regret. James Milner also left City on a free transfer eight years ago and has become a crucial part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Mikel Arteta coached the German for three-and-a-half years when he was assistant manager at City and will be hoping to sign the 32-year-old later this month for free – saving Arsenal millions. The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder and defender has repaid the £20million transfer fee City paid by helping the to five Premier League titles, but has yet to renew his contract.
Gundogan has been vital to Manchester City’s treble-winning side and started at the back in their 1-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Pep Guardiola has repeatedly said that he wants Gundogan to remain at the club next season.
However, it is believed that City are only willing to offer him a one-year contract extension with the player having an option to extend it by a further 12 months. Milner was aged 29 when he left the Etihad on a free transfer and has been vital in Liverpool winning two Champions League titles and the Premier League.
READ MORE: Ilkay Gundogan ‘changes mind on Man City future’ after Arsenal enter transfer battle
Ally McCoist is one of those who have urged Arteta to sign Gundogan from former club City – following the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko who have followed the Arsenal boss from Manchester to London. McCoist said on talkSPORT: “What a statement that would be. It’s a bigger statement than Jesus, it’s a bigger statement than Zinchenko for me.
“You’re getting a brilliant player and the age factor doesn’t really come into it nowadays for 32-year-olds, they’ve kept themselves meticulously fit. There are great pros and he’s certainly that.”
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