Mikel Arteta is 'driving Arsenal's interest in Ilkay Gundogan this summer'

Arsenal's interest in Ilkay Gundogan is being 'driven by Mikel Arteta' who sees the 32-year-old as a replacement for Granit Xhaka.

Gundogan has been a key player for Manchester City since joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016.

He won his fifth Premier League title at the weekend, and could still add Champions League and FA Cup medals this season.

The German midfielder may not stay in Manchester beyond June though, with Arsenal and Barcelona both showing interest and his current contract ending this summer.

He is believed to be keen on staying at City, but a new deal has not yet been agreed.

According to reports in the Athletic, Arteta is keen to link up with Gundogan after working with him as Pep Guardiola's assistant at the Etihad.

The Gunners boss is believed to see the Man City man as a successor to Granit Xhaka, who is expected to leave the Emirates this season after links with Bayer Leverkusen.

If Gundogan does join Arsenal, he could be a vital cog in a side that has struggled for depth and experience in key moments this season.

The German international has scored 58 goals in over 300 games for Man City, won leagues titles in two different countries and will play in his third Champions League final next month.

Reflecting on his role in City's most recent title win, the midfielder said: 'To have helped the club win a third straight Premier League title is something very special.'

'The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is.

'This squad is so talented and so special and to have been captain this season has been an enormous privilege.'

Arsenal, who were eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table at the start of April, have won just two of their last eight games and handed City the title by losing to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Arteta is also keen to bring in the likes of Mason Mount and Declan Rice this summer, as he looks to strengthen a squad that struggled with a busy schedule and failed to adapt to injuries.

Arsenal face Wolves on Sunday in their final game of the season, while Man City will travel to Brentford.