Manchester United and Arsenal face competition for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, with AC Milan reportedly keen on the deep-lying playmaker.
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According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, via the Express, the Rossoneri have made the Germany international one of their key summer transfer targets as they seek to improve their fortunes in the Italian top flight.
Milan are in the middle of a major slump, and managed only a 10th-place finish in Serie A last season, winning only 13 of their 38 matches.
However, the club still have the allure of history and status, having won 18 Serie A championships and seven Champions League titles.
Keen to return to rediscover their previous success, Milan have been adventurous in the summer transfer window so far, having signed Jose Mauri [Goal], Luiz Adriano [Daily Mail] and, reportedly, are closing in on a move for Carlos Bacca [The Guardian].
Gundogan, who recently signed a new contract at Dortmund, appears to be their next transfer target, with the player himself admitting that he would be considering his options [Express].
“You can always see from two different perspectives: some will say, okay, he has extended, and if he should go next year,” Gundogan began, speaking to Kicker [via the Express], “the club will therefore still get a lot of money. So it’s all good.
“And others say: Again, it’s only one year.
“Everyone has to form his own opinion – I just want to be honest. I appreciate this wonderful club very much, but my life plan also looks at some time with a new challenge.”
Both Arsenal and United have been linked to the midfield, according to talkSPORT. The former may be seeking replacements for the likes of Jack Wilshere [Daily Mail] and Mathieu Flamini [talkSPORT], both of whom have been linked with a move away from the club. The Red Devils may also be keen on midfield reinforcements, as Michael Carrick will be 34 by the time the new season begins.
Gundogan has had his fair share of injury concerns in recent years, but he managed three goals and four assists in 23 appearances last term, and possesses the kind of technical ability and creative vision to make a major influence at the base of either midfield.