Arsenal are keen on strengthening their midfield this summer and it appears that Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is on Mikel Arteta and Edu's transfer shortlist
The summer transfer window will be an important period for Arsenal as they look to improve their squad for next season. The Gunners have impressed in the Premier League this campaign and had it not been for a magnificent Manchester City side they may have won their first league title since 2004.
According to The Athletic, the Gunners hold a concrete interest in the German and Arteta is a driving force behind it having worked with the 32-year-old during his time at the Etihad Stadium. The north Londoners see Gundogan as a potential replacement for Xhaka although it is still possible he stays at City, while Barcelona are also said to be keeping tabs on the situation. As things stand, no agreements have been reached and the "situation remains open", The Athletic report.
Having scored nine goals and assisted a further seven in 48 appearances this term, Gundogan would be a great signing for the Gunners and add experience to a youthful side. He may be interested in joining the north Londoners too as he has been extremely complimentary of Arteta's side in the past.
Speaking earlier this season when Arsenal were five points clear of Man City in the league, the German international was asked if he was surprised by the Gunners. "No!" he told Sky Germany in an interview.
"They have a coach who I respect and know well from his time with us - there are a lot of similarities with Pep. Their approach is almost identical to ours and if you look at their first team it's clear that on a good day they can compete with any opponent.
"A few weeks ago we beat them in the FA Cup and felt how uncomfortable they are to play against. If they have the ball, they can punish other teams. Our responsibility is to get three points against Aston Villa and then go to London and beat Arsenal."
Gundogan was also full of praise when speaking ahead of City's trip to the Emirates Stadium in February, which Pep Guardiola's side won 3-1. He said "Obviously the three points [against Villa], they help, but it’s a completely different game on Wednesday.
"It’s going to be a tough game between the two best sides in England at the moment, obviously we are looking forward to it, but we also know how tough it’s going to be. It’s going to be a top game."