Arsenal Are Interested In Signing Ilkay Gundogan And They Could Play Him As A Striker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may be tempted to play Ilkay Gundogan in a new position if he manages to persuade the Manchester City midfielder to move this summer.

Gundogan's future at Premier League leaders City has been under the microscope of late, with rumours of a potential departure from the Etihad swirling in the media.

The 31-year-old's contract will expire next summer and after six trophy-laden seasons with the Blues, the Germany international has already been informed that he can leave this summer, according to The Daily Mail.

A number of clubs are said to be interested in the midfielder, including Real Madrid [more on that later], but new claims have emerged that Mikel Arteta is interested in bringing his wealth of experience to North London.

In fact, former Manchester City assistant Arteta could give Gundogan the chance to play as a striker in the Arsenal team as Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah look set to leave in the summer.

Football.London have made the bold suggestion in a piece that refers back to the 2020/21 campaign, when Gundogan played further forward and scored 13 goals in 28 Premier League appearances.

Ilkay Gundogan has now scored 13 goals for club and country in 2021.

We're still only in March. 😅 pic.twitter.com/ZhjLt4IN5D

— Squawka (@Squawka) March 25, 2021

City manager Pep Guardiola knows Gundogan has the minerals to play in a more attacking position.

Following the club's 3-0 win against Spurs last year, the Spaniard said: "I said many times he could play as a striker, like a false nine, and people laughed.

"Today it was the action for a clear penalty and after he had the quality to score the two goals. He has the tempo to arrive there.

"He is so good in these moments," he added. "He won the award for player of the month. If he keeps playing this way in February, he is going to win it again."

Pep Guardiola on Ilkay Gundogan's future: "All the twitter accounts saying he will leave, I don't know. Maybe you know more than me..." [via @_joebray]

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) May 20, 2022

Another club that continue to be linked with a move for Gundogan are recently crowned La Liga champions Real Madrid.

Rumours even emerged this week suggesting the 31-year-old had travelled to the Spanish capital to hold talks with Los Blancos over a transfer, but Gundogan’s wife Sara Benamira quickly played down those reports.

In fact, it turns out the pair were getting married. "Never been in Madrid,” Benamira posted. “Sometimes private reason is just not football."

Talks ongoing between Gündoğan agents and Manchester City board. No discussion about new deal - just about his future with serious chances to leave the club. 🔵 #MCFC

His trip to Madrid was not linked to his future. Barça, German clubs and Arsenal [depends on UCL] interested. pic.twitter.com/IQxH3XH1CH

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2022

Thoughts on Gundogan's future? Do you think he would flourish in a false nine role at Arsenal if he was to make a move down south?

Let us know in the comments.