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The message to Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich is still the same: they "will return" and they "will try again" as they believe that Harry Kane "really wants to make this move", per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Harry Kane leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

It's been an excellent start to the summer window for new Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou. The club improved the quality of the first team with the savvy acquisition of James Maddison for just £40m and highly rated Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for £17m, as well as bolstered other areas of their squad.

Israel international Manor Solomon may have arrived on a free, but he demonstrated for all to see last season at Fulham that he was more than capable of having an impact in the Premier League; even if he isn't a regular starter for the Australian, he should be a valuable player to have.

However, this good start to the summer could all be undone if the unthinkable happens – the club sell talismanic striker and all-time leading goalscorer Kane.

A Kane transfer saga isn't anything new. It was only two years ago when Manchester City seemed desperate to sign the England captain, but with three years left on his deal at that point, a move away from N17 was never going to happen for anything less than a world-record fee. This time, it's different.

With just 12 months left on his £200,000-a-week deal, Daniel Levy and co have to decide whether they will cash in on him this summer or risk losing him for free next year.

It's not the Citizens who are after his signature this year, though, it's German behemoths Bayern Munich – and the Bavarians have been persistent so far.

The Bundesliga champions have already had two offers rejected by the north London side, with the second being worth a reported €80m (£69m) and are now preparing a third to further test Levy's resolve.

Part of the reason Thomas Tuchel's side have been so persistent where others haven't is their belief that Kane himself "really wants the move" and that Spurs will eventually give in, according to Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"The messages coming from the German club are still the same: they want to bid again for Harry Kane. So Bayern will return, Bayern will bid again, Bayern will try again with Daniel Levy. This is the intention of Bayern.

"At the moment, Tottenham have no communication from Harry Kane of the player deciding anything. They know that he's speaking to Bayern, this is very clear. And Bayern – especially [on] Thomas Tuchel's side – they feel that Harry Kane really wants to make this move, but now it's about the clubs.

"Bayern will return for Harry Kane."

How good was Harry Kane last season?

It's easy to understand why FC Hollywood are so hell-bent on securing the 29-year-old's signature this summer, as despite having a good year every year for nearly a decade, last season was something else entirely.

In his 38 top-flight games, the Walthamstow-born "monster" scored 30 Premier League goals and provided three assists for his teammates, averaging a match rating of 7.51, per WhoScored.

He clearly impressed former manager Antonio Conte who, despite ultimately failing in north London, waxed lyrical about the striker earlier this year, saying: "We are talking about a world-class striker.

"He is going to beat every record with the goals. In the difficult moments, you know Harry is on the pitch, ready to fight, ready to help teammates, ready to sort situations with goals and assists."

Whatever happens with this transfer, you can be sure that it won't be resolved anytime soon, and there will likely be a few more twists and turns along the way.

Harvey Barnes would be "open to going to St James Park", but Newcastle United's deal to sign the Leicester City winger isn't as advanced as initially reported, claims journalist Alex Crook.

Is Havey Barnes joining Newcastle United?

It has been an interesting start to the transfer window for Newcastle this summer. While many might have expected the wealthiest club in the world to start splashing the cash on whatever player took their fancy, they have actually been relatively reserved in their spending.

So far, the only big-name player to make their way to the north east this summer has been Italian international Sandro Tonali, who left his boyhood club to join the Toon in a deal worth a reported £55m.

That's not to say players haven't been linked to Eddie Howe's side, though, as Leicester winger Barnes has been one of the names constantly touted for a move to the Magpies this summer, with the Daily Mail reporting earlier this month that a deal was 'close.'

While the imminent nature of the arrival turned out to be false, the interest is not, with the Express reporting that the Magpies remain firm favourites to sign the player and that an offer as low as £30m could be all it takes to get it done.

One of the reasons that previous reports on this transfer might've been so premature is that Newcastle's FFP concerns were not considered to be as bad as they actually are, per journalist Alex Crook.

He explained the situation live on air, which was later posted to TalkSPORT's YouTube channel:

"With Harvey Barnes, I never felt that this deal was quite as advanced as maybe had been reported because of the financial restraints that Newcastle are operating under.

"I think he's open to going to St James' Park and playing in the Champions League, but I wouldn't rule West Ham out of that race either."

Is Harvey Barnes good enough for Newcastle United?

He might've been relegated with Leicester last season, but Barnes – who has been hailed a "beast" – would undoubtedly be a brilliant addition to Howe's exciting Magpies team.

Over the last few years, he has shown that he has the necessary skills and the ability to thrive in the Premier League, and the Foxes' drop down to the Championship wasn't because of him; if anything, it was in spite of him.

Across his 34 Premier League games last season, the 25-year-old scored 13 goals and created one assist, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.42 games, earning himself an average match rating of 6.66, per WhoScored.

His underlying statistics are interesting in that he clearly excels in some areas whilst putting up slightly more average numbers in others, suggesting that he might benefit from playing in a more progressive and better-coached side.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Barnes is in the top 6% for non-penalty goals, the top 15% for aerial duals won, and the top 17% for non-penalty expected goals, all per 90.

However, he also only ranks in the top 34% for total shots, 37% for progressive passes received, 38% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, and 42% for progressive carries, all per 90.

If the Toon have the opportunity to get this deal done for the price reported, it seems like a no-brainer, as even if he doesn't improve much, he would still likely score ten-plus goals a season for the side.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is now plotting a shock move for Antonio Rudiger, but Real Madrid president Florentino Perez currently has no plans to let the centre-back leave, according to recent reports from Spain.

Are Man United signing a defender?

Man United have now made it clear they would be willing to let Harry Maguire leave this summer, although the £50m price tag could put off a few potential suitors, and they are now running the rule over several new options at centre-back.

Fabrizio Romano has recently dropped a new update on United's pursuit of AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, saying Ten Hag has personally "approved" a move for the Frenchman, following weeks of talks on the player's side.

No concrete move has yet been made for the 25-year-old, however, with the Red Devils still considering "a couple of other options", according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who adds they aren't "too worried" about missing out on Kim Min-jae.

One such player could be Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo, with Romano claiming Man United have "sent their scouts" to watch the defender on a number of occasions, but there is still "nothing concrete" in terms of negotiations.

According to reports from Spain (via Football London), United and Ten Hag specifically are now plotting a shock transfer swoop for Rudiger, who could be tempted by a return to the Premier League if he is offered guaranteed minutes in his preferred centre-back position.

The Red Devils are said to be planning a £51m offer for the German, who they plan to tempt with an increased salary, with Ten Hag looking to bring in a world-class centre-back partner for Lisandro Martinez, however Real Madrid are not currently willing to sanction his departure.

Club president Perez is not considering selling the 30-year-old for any price, so it does not seem like a move to Old Trafford is a likely outcome at present, despite potential interest on the player's side.

Is Rudiger signing for Man United?

Real Madrid have no pressing need to sell the defender any time soon, as he is currently contracted until June 2026, having only arrived on a free transfer form Chelsea last summer, so it does not seem likely he will be on the move any time soon.

That will probably come as disappointing news to United fans, as the Germany international is already proven in the Premier League, achieving an average Sofascore match rating of 7.21 in the top flight during the 2020-21 campaign, the second-highest in the Chelsea squad.

Since arriving at Madrid, the former Chelsea man has continued to impress, averaging 2.1 clearances per game in La Liga last season, the second-highest figure in the squad, cementing his place as a regular in the starting XI.

Hailed as a "monster" by professional footballer Leon Legge, Rudiger has proven himself at the very highest level, and he could be a fantastic signing for Man United, if Real Madrid decide to soften their stance at a later stage in the transfer window.

Chelsea will keep hold of striker Armando Broja for the coming season and he will need to make an 'impact' at Stamford Bridge to avoid being cut loose in the future, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Armando Broja?

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea forward Broja could seek a move away from Stamford Bridge this window following the arrival of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.

West Ham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Brentford are all keen to take him off the hands of the Blues and Broja's entourage are said to be 'exploring' alternative avenues for him to take his next career step.

Broja has been back out on the training field at Cobham in pre-season following missing the entire second half of last campaign due to a horrific knee injury he picked up in a friendly against Aston Villa in mid-season, as per Football London.

Last month, journalist Simon Phillips took to Twitter to update Chelsea fans on manager Mauricio Pochettino's view of Broja and his vision for the Albania international, stating: "Everyone at the club as well as Poch has a real belief in Broja – was part of the reason we didn’t rush into signing a new 9 in January. Poch feels if he gets back to his best, Broja can be perfect for his system."

Nevertheless, the imminent return of Broja to first-team action hasn't put Chelsea off potentially strengthening their depth in the striker position further, with Corriere dello Sport via The Daily Express claiming that the Blues are 'pushing hard' to try and land Juventus hitman Dusan Vlahovic.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones has revealed that Chelsea will keep hold of Broja for now; however, he thinks that the £40k-a-week ace must take any opportunities in the side by the scruff of the neck to avoid becoming out-of-favour at Stamford Bridge.

Jones told FFC: "He's got to make an impact early on; at the moment, the signals are that he'll remain with Chelsea, but that can flip so quickly. He has to have encouraging signs; otherwise, I don't think he'll want to hang around and be out of the picture again."

Should Chelsea give Armando Broja an opportunity to stake his claim for action?

It wouldn't hurt, put it that way, though Broja will know himself that he will need to make his presence felt on the pitch to stand a chance of being in Pochettino's long-term plans at Chelsea.

Taking his whole Chelsea career under the microscope, Broja has made just 19 senior appearances for the club, netting one goal and laying on a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored show that in 2022/23, Broja earned an average rating of 6.29/10 for his exploits on the pitch, though it is perhaps a tad unfair to criticise the 21-year-old too much, taking into account he was granted just two Premier League starts and ten substitute appearances before his injury struggles.

The Evening Standard cite that Broja should be ready to play a part in Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States, where they will take on Sky Bet League Two side Wrexham, followed by bouts against Fulham, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League Summer Series and a 'one-off' friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

In all likelihood, these matches may prove pivotal to Broja's chances of being regarded as a reliable option at senior level for Chelsea in 2023/24 and he will be champing at the bit to impress Pochettino if he is given a chance to play his part.

Liverpool have emerged as the "front-runners" to secure the signature of Southampton's midfield dynamo Romeo Lavia, claims journalist Alex Crook.

Liverpool transfer news – What's the latest on Romeo Lavia?

It's been a positive start to the summer transfer window for Jurgen Klopp's Reds so far, with the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion's World Cup-winning midfielder Alexis Mac Allister last month for a fee of only £35m, potentially rising to £55m with certain clauses.

However, the six-time European champions haven't rested on their laurels and have since added the imperious Dominik Szoboszlai to their midfield in a deal worth an estimated £60m for the player's former club RB Leipzig.

In what is starting to look like an entire midfield rebuild in a single window, the club have turned their attention to the defensive midfield position after Fabinho had a year to forget by his standards.

The player deemed good enough to replace the Brazilian is Belgian international Lavia, who has attracted the interest of a swath of Premier League sides, with the Independent reporting last month that Arsenal were the favourites to land the player.

It would appear that the situation has dramatically changed over the last couple of weeks and that it is, in fact, Liverpool that have now shot to the front of the queue for the youngster's signature, per journalist Alex Crook.

He explained the situation on TalkSPORT's YouTube channel:

"Romeo Lavia is very much a name in the frame for Anfield, I know there is some interest from Chelsea as well, where their recruitment guru Joe Shields played a big part in him going from Manchester City to Southampton, he's keen to get the deal done taking Lavia to Stamford Bridge, but at this stage it looks like Liverpool are the front-runners. It won't be cheap though, Southampton are looking for a fee of as much as £50m for Lavia who I think will go on and become a real top quality Premier League midfielder."

Could Romeo Lavia replace Fabinho?

It may seem like a lot to ask of the 19-year-old, as the Brazilian was a key member of the Reds side that almost won the lot in the 2021/22 season, falling agonisingly close to being quadruple winners.

But after the horror campaign that the 29-year-old just had, it might be time to consider replacing him, and with the complete contrast in form that Southampton's gem had last year, he could well be the right man for the job.

In the passing department, it is advantage to the ex-Real Madrid man who attempts 61.7 passes at a completion rate of 88.3, a lot more than Lavia, who attempts just 40.4 with a completion rate of 86.2%, all per 90.

However, it is the Brussels-born "monster" that wins out when it comes to the defensive side of the game, perhaps the most important category if he is to be played just ahead of the back four.

The 5 foot 11 midfielder makhas madees 2.43 tackles per 90, winning 1.42 of them compared to Fabinho's 2.19 tackles, with 1.28 being successful. It is the same story with blocks and interceptions, with the Sao Paulo-born midfielder winning out in just clearances with 1.35 to his potential replacement's 0.93, also per 90.

While there are certainly some areas for Lavia to work on for him to surpass Fabinho, the fact that he is only 19 years old and already this good suggests that the potential upside with him could be massive, something that should worry the Brazilian should he have another Premier League campaign like his last.

In what has been a slow start to the summer transfer window at Old Trafford, Manchester United may be about have a breakthrough in their pursuit of Chelsea attacking midfielder Mason Mount.

Mount has just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge in which he is believed to earn £80,000 a week, per Spotrac.

In a boost to United’s pursuit, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has stated that Chelsea have lowered their demands in terms of the fee they require to let their youth academy graduate go to Old Trafford.

Man Utd transfer news – Mason Mount

United were left frustrated again after a second bid for Chelsea’s number 19 was rejected this week. The bid was believed to be worth up to £50m.

However, according to The Athletic, Chelsea look to hold out for a fee closer to £60m for the England international with £5m in add-ons.

Mount is one of three main targets for Erik ten Hag this season, which includes fellow England internationals Declan Rice and Harry Kane according to Sky Sports.

Romano believes that a middle ground can be found between the two clubs to allow Mount to move north to Manchester.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Mount?

Romano believes United will still have to up their current offer if they have a realistic chance of signing Chelsea’s wantaway star.

The transfer expert believes a bid from the Red Devils of around £60m-£65m could get the deal over the line.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano stated: "The situation with Mason Mount is a second bid was submitted for £50million. It was £45million, plus £5million in add-ons.

"Chelsea immediately rejected that bid as they want more than £60million. They started at £70million for Mason Mount, but now, from what I understand, I think the deal could be done for around £60million to £65million."

Should Man United sign Mason Mount?

Mount’s 22/23 season was hampered by injury. The 24-year-old missed a total of 13 league games in the tale end of the season, but his injury record doesn’t seem to have knocked United’s confidence in him as a target or Chelsea’s valuation of the player.

The player has been subject to serious praise from former United defender and legend, Rio Ferdinand.

Rio defined the United target as a ‘mad player’ during his stellar 2021/22 season in which he was able to stay fit.

Ferdinand said: "Young players watching the game, if you watch Mount, he’s efficient with it, and he can bang, but it’s the work ethic and the positions he takes up defensively.

"That’s why he’ll always play for England because I think you can rely on him.”

United will be hoping he’s a player they can rely on the upcoming season.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou will be galvanised after reportedly taking the lead in the race to sign James Maddison from Leicester City this summer.

What's the latest on James Maddison to Tottenham?

According to The Guardian, Tottenham could be poised to bypass Newcastle United in the race for the England international following the Magpies' near-completion of the €80m (£68.5m) signing of AC Milan's Sandro Tonali.

Writing in his Caught Offside column, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano corroborated such claims and revealed that a bid from the Lilywhites is now imminent.

The journalist said: "The player is speaking to both sides but he knows Ange Postecoglou is pushing a lot to get things done. Tottenham are working hard and plan to submit a bid in the next days.

“On the fee, it will be discussed again in the next days but Leicester are looking for around £50m for the England international.”

Should Tottenham sign James Maddison?

Maddison's dynamic midfield ability has attracted the attention of many a thriving Premier League outfit over recent times, and despite the Foxes suffering the ignominy of relegation this year, the 26-year-old has remained an impressive and reliable playmaking ace.

Indeed, the "world-class" playmaker, as hailed by Dean Saunders, scored ten goals and supplied nine assists from just 28 league starts this past year, and has emerged from a disastrous campaign at the King Power Stadium with his merit intact.

His services would enhance any aspiring outfit on the European stage, and with Tottenham craving some inspiration and exuberance after finishing eighth this season, it is a move that must be concluded.

He would not only provide a fresh and first-rate dimension from the centre, but he would boost the fortunes of his prospective teammates, and one who might flourish is Richarlison, who has been indifferent in London since his £60m transfer from Everton a year ago.

The Brazilian has earned praise as a "warrior" by former Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte, but after scoring just three times in 35 appearances for Spurs, including just a solitary strike in the league, he has been harangued for his "toothless" performances by the likes of reporter Andrew Gaffney.

However, having flourished as a talisman for Everton over the past several seasons in scoring 53 goals from 152 outings and boasting an exemplary scoring record with Brazil – 20 goals from 44 matches, with one of his three strikes at the 2022 World Cup including a scintillating overhead effort that was dubbed "unstoppable" by writer Sacha Pisani – he could yet thrive for Tottenham.

The chances of an impressive campaign would surely be boosted with a superlative force in Maddison behind him, with the "magician" – as he has been called by Statman Dave – averaging 2.3 key passes per game in the top-flight last term, creating 12 big chances.

Indeed, the £110k-per-week Fox ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers over the past year for assists, the top 13% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, underscoring his value as a creative star.

And while Richarlison has endured an inauspicious spell in front of the net of late, he still ranks among the top 12% of positional peers for touches in the attacking box and the top 18% for non-penalty xG per 90, with the latter metric meaning he has vastly underperformed in his expected goals tally, but from a positive outlook, is moving well and finding space and opportune moments.

Maddison would serve him success on a silver platter, and he is exactly the kind of all-encompassing midfielder the 26-year-old South American needs to finally ignite his career at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and further the club's ambitions as it commences its resurgence.

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for a Bundesliga ace, as Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his side this summer.

The Gunners have been linked with a host of talent following the official opening of the transfer window last week, with one player showing signs of a once-loved hero in north London.

As reported by French outlet L’Equipe, relayed by Get French Football News last week, Bayer Leverkusen forward Moussa Diaby has been linked with a move to Arsenal.

The news suggested that the Londoners are ‘ahead’ of Premier League rivals Newcastle United in the race for the 23-year-old talent, who is valued at £65m by his club as reported by Evening Standard last month.

What could Moussa Diaby offer to Arsenal?

Lauded as “electrifying” by journalist Aaron Stokes, the right-winger could add essence to Arteta’s squad of a player that was once adored at Arsenal.

Indeed, Alexis Sanchez lit up Islington during his four seasons at the club, recording an outstanding 87 goals and assists in 122 Premier League appearances after signing from Barcelona in the summer of 2014 for £35m.

The winger was integral to Arsene Wenger’s plans at the club at the time, acting as the star man in a steadily progressing side.

Hailed as a “fighter” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, the Chilean gave the club some of the best moments of the Emirates era before controversially departing for Manchester United with two FA Cups to his name.

While his departure hurt in the capital, the talent and excitement that Sanchez provided won't be forgotten, and could be emulated in the near future by Diaby.

As highlighted by WhoScored, both Sanchez and Diaby share similar attributes. Chiefly, they are both deployed as wide players, with strengths in dribbling and attacking the final third.

In his final season at Arsenal, the Tocopilla-born gem averaged 3.6 shots per game, as well as 2.1 dribbles and 2.7 key passes per match, showcasing his fine abilities as a winger in his prime in the Premier League, via WhoScored.

At just 23-years-old, Diaby has recorded numbers that imply he could live up to the heights of Sanchez one day, as per WhoScored, the Frenchman recorded 2.4 shots, 1.8 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga.

Still quite a raw asset, the Frenchman will need to improve his game to become a more creative player but it's clear that Leverkusen's star man has a lot of talent in his arsenal, as highlighted by his threat in front of goal.

As per FBref, the Paris-born ace averages 0.35 non-penalty xG per 90, placing him in the top 8% of wingers in Europe in this area. Like Sanchez, therefore, he is a potent threat capable of generating magic in the final third.

To make matters even more exciting, he could arrive as one of the quickest players in the team, with his top speed of 36.10 km/h trumping that of Gabriel Martinelli's 35.85 km/h but falling slightly below Bukayo Saka's 36.36 km/h.

Arteta could add to the talent that he already possesses at the club by signing Diaby, who is already demonstrating attributes similar to Sanchez during his time at Arsenal. However, with Newcastle also eyeing the forward, only time will tell if a deal materialises for the lively speedster.

Mauricio Pochettino has to make it his mission to land a clinical striker this summer if his first season as Chelsea head coach is to be a success.

The Blues scored just 38 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, with their top scorer (Kai Havertz) managing only seven goals, making that an obvious area of improvement.

A number of striking options have inevitably been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks, including the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Rasmus Hojlund, but it appears their focus is now on landing Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have showed a "concrete" interest in Jackson and are now weighing up a move for the in-demand attacker, who is widely expected to be on his way to an English club.

What can Nicolas Jackson bring to Chelsea?

Jackson impressed for Villarreal in LaLiga last season with 12 goals and four assists in 26 appearances, helping his side get over the line to land a Europa League spot.

According to FBref's player comparison model, Jackson's performances over the past year have been similar to those of Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann – three players who need no introduction.

Despite the hype surrounding the 21-year-old, the Evening Standard suggests he is available for £30m this summer, which is £58.5m less than they splashed out on Mykhailo Mudryk in January.

If it is a focal point Chelsea want, that is very much what they will be getting in Jackson, a player who measures in at 6 foot 1 and won 68.4% of his aerial duels in the 2021-22 campaign.

Indeed, there are many similarities between Jackson and Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, not just in terms of their stature (Drogba is 6 foot 2) but also their all-round stats.

Taking both players' entire careers, which spans 507 games more for Drogba than Jackson, there is little between the pair in terms of assists per 90 (0.22 for Drogba, 0.17 for Jackson) and shots on target percentage (39.7 v 43.4), as per FBref.

They are alike in non-attacking metrics, such as tackles won per 90 (0.62 v 0.59) and yellow cards received (0.21 v 0.29).

Drogba does have a better goalscoring return of 0.56 goals per 90 minutes, compared to Jackson's 0.40, but the Ivorian did not hit double figures for goals in a single season until his fifth full campaign at senior level.

Jackson, by comparison, did so in his second season in LaLiga, with his 2022-23 figures being described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig as the "beginning of something extraordinary".

Chelsea boast plenty of attacking wide players, but there is nobody in the team that shows the clinical edge to stick chances away. In a player who has a 29% goal conversion return, Jackson could be just their man.

Arsenal bringing in Ilkay Gundogan this summer on a free transfer from Manchester City would be an 'exciting' deal for the club, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Ilkay Gundogan?

According to The Guardian, Arsenal are said to be 'pursuing a move' for Manchester City captain Gundogan, whose £140k-a-week contract at the Etihad Stadium is set to run out this summer.

The 32-year-old has worked with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta in the past and it is believed that he could be tempted by the possibility of linking up with the Spaniard again heading into 2023/24.

90min report that Barcelona are also keen on the Germany international and he may be open to the fresh challenge and opportunity to live in Spain with his family.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola hasn't given up hope of keeping Gundogan and gave an update on his future in the aftermath of the Citizens' 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final last weekend where the player bagged a brace, as per BBC Sport, stating: "He knows what I think. (Football director) Txiki (Begiristain) is working on it (a new contract). Hopefully he can be successful."

Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic has agreed personal terms with Manchester City ahead of a potential move to the club, which may signal that the Sky Blues are looking to replace Gundogan in the off-season, as per talkSPORT.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks Arsenal would be pulling off a coup if they were able to attract Gundogan to north London this summer.

Brown told FFC: "It may, from City's point of view, not depend on them getting Kovacic if he's allowed to leave. It really depends on where Gundogan sees his future, but I think it'd be quite an exciting one if Arsenal could pull that off."

What have Ilkay Gundogan's stats been like this season?

Gundogan has been in fine form for Manchester City this campaign as they close in on what would be a historic treble comprising the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League if they can defeat Inter Milan on Saturday in Istanbul.

In 2022/23, the 32-year-old has made 50 appearances in all competitions for his current employers, registering 11 goals and seven assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Leading by example, WhoScored shows that Gundogan maintained a pass success rate of 88.2% in the Premier League this term, demonstrating his constant reliability in the engine room for Manchester City.

As per FBRef, Gundogan has also completed 124 shot-creating actions this campaign, contributing heavily to attacking phases of play for his side.

Arsenal will look to build from a position of strength looking ahead to 2023/24 and Gundogan would be a world-class addition to boost Arteta's midfield options.