The 32-year-old, who led Manchester City to a treble and their first-ever Champions League, has not yet reached an agreement on a new contract with the Sky Blues and was consequently added on the club’s released list last week.
Despite the rising likelihood that the German midfielder will move on a free transfer to another club, Gundogan has been continuously tight-lipped about his future.
The reigning La Liga winners Barcelona have been extensively connected to Gundogan, and this week they upped their offer to the midfielder in an effort to gain the upper hand in the bidding.
While Manchester City recently increased their contract offer to Gundogan, Arsenal is also interested in signing the five-time Premier League champion.
During the 2022–23 season, the German scored 11 goals, including a renowned hat trick against Manchester United in the Emirates FA Cup Final earlier this month.
Gundogan scored crucial goals against Leeds United and Everton during the final stretch to help City win the Premier League title again.
The 32-year-old completed a £20 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, becoming Pep Guardiola’s first acquisition at the Etihad Stadium.
Dortmund is reportedly interested in re-signing Gundogan for the Manchester City captain after his five years at the Bundesliga club.
According to Bild, Dortmund has made Gundogan a long-term offer as they search for a replacement for Jude Bellingham, who just last week completed a world-record transfer to Real Madrid.
However, should the 32-year-old depart Manchester City, the German midfielder is likely to reject the contract offer extended by his previous team because Gundogan reportedly desires a move to Barcelona or Arsenal.
Additionally, Gundogan declined a Saudi Arabian offer, as the Middle Eastern league continues to pursue several Premier League players.