Manchester City midfielder ready to leave club and join Spanish giants

Manchester City will likely have to beat Liverpool on Saturday if they are to have any chance of retaining their Premier League title this season. 

The reigning champions currently sit eight points behind league leaders Arsenal, who have won a remarkable 22 of their 28 matches so far this term.

Liverpool, though, will be looking to move a step closer to the Premier League’s top four when they face City at The Etihad.

In the meantime, it appears that one of City’s most important players will leave the club this summer.

According to Football Insider, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is ready to leave the club this summer in a bid to join Spanish giants Barcelona.

The 32-year-old is set to be out of contract at the end of the current season and speculation has been rife that the Germany international will refuse to sign a new deal.

Gundogan reportedly wants to join Barcelona this summer

Gundogan joined City from German side Borussia Dortmund back in 2016 and has since made 290 appearances for The Citizens, scoring 53 goals and providing 37 assists.

During his time in Manchester, the German has won 11 trophies including four Premier League titles and the FA Cup.

Despite his success in England, playing for Barcelona is said to be a ‘dream’ for Gundogan and the midfielder could push for a move to the Nou Camp.

It is also claimed that those in charge of the Spanish side have already held talks with the player’s representatives about a potential deal, with Gundogan having been able to sign a pre-contract agreement with any overseas club since January.

One of Gundogan’s most iconic moments in a City shirt came on the final day of last season when he scored twice to help his side to a comeback victory over Aston Villa, ensuring that they won the title.

This term the player has continued to play a pivotal role for The Citizens, making 37 appearances across all competitions.