Per Mertesacker says Arsenal are in a ‘good position’ in Ilkay Gundogan transfer chase
Mertesacker played at centre-back for Arsenal from 2011 to 2018 and is now head of the Gunners’ academy. The last few years of his Germany career overlapped with the start of Gundogan’s.
He told German TV channel ZDF that Gundogan may feel it is “mission accomplished” in his Manchester City career after sealing the Treble in Istanbul with Champions League Final victory over Internazionale on Saturday.
Mertesacker said about interest in Gundogan: “I think the clubs are queuing. Because [Mikel] Arteta knows him and we probably haven’t broken off contact, we’re in a good position.
“I think he’ll let it all sink in first and then choose from one of the four clubs.”
Gundogan is wanted by Arsenal, Barcelona and AC Milan, while City are desperate for him to sign a contract extension. Meanwhile, an unnamed Saudi club are also interested in signing the 32-year-old.
After his double secured victory over Manchester United and helped City to the FA Cup trophy on June 3, Gundogan told the BBC: “I have not made a final decision on my future yet.”
Gundogan, who was Pep Guardiola’s second City signing when he joined the club in 2016, is out of contract this summer.
