It’s safe to say that Ilkay Gundogan’s influence at Manchester City is growing season upon season.
After all, the experienced midfielder was voted as the successor to Fernandinho as the Sky Blues’ club captain recently.
Additionally, the 31-year-old has started the new season like a house on fire.
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So much so that it wouldn’t be a hot take to suggest that Gundogan has been the side’s most in-form player after their first two fixtures in the Premier League.
Keeping a certain Bernardo Silva out of the side in successive games, the German international has shone alongside Kevin De Bruyne in an advanced eight role.
With the ex-Borussia Dortmund lynchpin already striking a delightful partnership with Erling Haaland, he continues to get better and better with time.
Despite the many pros that come with Gundogan’s presence at the Etihad Stadium, there remains a major question around his future at the club.
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As things stand, the four-time Premier League champion is in the final year of his contract at City.
In addition, it was widely reported that Pep Guardiola’s side were willing to sanction the decorated midfielder’s sale during the latter stages of the previous campaign.
The Bundesliga winner had also admitted at being open to the prospect of returning to Germany one day, if an offer piqued his interest.
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However, a new update has revealed that the hero of the Sky Blues’ 2021/22 Premier League title win could be set to commit his future at the club.
As per a report by Sun Sport, Guardiola wants Gundogan to sign a fresh contract that guarantees his stay at City beyond the summer of 2023.
Additionally, it is mentioned that the midfield maestro is interested in signing on the dotted line for the Premier League champions.
Interestingly, another detail that has emerged is that while City have no intention of letting the player go, they are also not in any rush to open talks over a new deal with him.
The reason that is stated is because the club aims to wait until Gundogan returns from the Qatar World Cup later this year before initiating such discussions.
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As a result, contract talks are expected not to begin until next year.
While the interest amongst potential suitors could rise if the City captain shines in Qatar, as well as the possibility of him leaving on a free transfer in 2023, the Sky Blues do not consider their approach as risky.
Their confidence lies in the fact that there remains a mutual trust between both player and club, who may be in line for a coaching role at the Etihad Stadium one day.
With Gundogan remaining a crucial cog in Guardiola’s plans and his newfound role as the skipper of the side, it is more than likely that talks are eventually opened and he signs a new contract.
Featured Image Credit: News Images LTD / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Pep Guardiola