Arsenal fans receive good news on Ilkay Gundogan joining them this summer

Arsenal head of academy and former captain Per Mertesacker has given gooners fans hope that Ilkay Gundogan will join them this summer. Speaking as a pundit for German broadcaster ZDF after Ilkay Gundogan’s Manchester City won the Champions League final, Mertesacker said he felt City’s treble win could convince Gundogan ‘to say, okay, mission accomplished’.

Arsenal were in a fierce title race with Manchester City in a bid to win the 2022/23 Premier League title but a defeat against Nottingham Forest in their 37th game week saw them lose the trophy to The Citizens. Arsenal has ended the season with 84 points while Manchester City have finished 89 points. Manchester City are this year’s Premier League Champions. The gunners will have to settle for second place even though they had led the league table for 10 months this season.

Mertesacker added: ‘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 has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s side this season, scoring crucial goals and providing assists throughout their campaign. The German midfielder has been linked with several top European clubs including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal.

The Gunners have been rebuilding their squad under manager Mikel Arteta since his appointment in December 2019. Arteta has brought in several young talents like Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey to strengthen his squad.

Gundogan would be an excellent addition to Arsenal’s midfield as he possesses great technical ability and is also defensively sound. He would provide much-needed creativity and goals from midfield, which has been lacking in Arsenal’s squad.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that Mertesacker’s comments are a sign that the club is serious about signing Gundogan this summer. The Gunners have a good relationship with the German midfielder, having worked with him during his time at Borussia Dortmund.

If Arsenal can secure Gundogan’s signature, it would be a massive statement of intent from the club and show that they are serious about challenging for major honours next season. The Gunners have not won a Premier League title since 2004 and will be hoping to end their drought soon.