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

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.