Football News : Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan could leave on free transfer

Ilkay Gundogan's contract with Manchester City is set to expire in the upcoming summer, and the club apparently fears that Gundogan may leave and part ways with the club.

After Fernandinho left the club at the start of this season, the 32-year-old, who has spent the last six and a half years at the Etihad Stadium, was chosen as the new captain. Under manager Pep Guardiola, Gundogan is still a fixture in the first squad and has started 12 of his 15 games for the Citizens in all competitions this year.

The German midfielder will be eligible to discuss pre-contract deals with international clubs starting in January, but rumours over his future at the Etihad remain. Football Insider reports that Man City has spoken to Gundogan's representatives about extending his contract, but no deal has yet been reached.

Gundogan has been linked to Barcelona, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, though the latter team is said to have dropped out of the running for his services.

The midfielder, who is of Turkish heritage and has disclosed that a move to the Super Lig is under contemplation,is currently the subject of interest from Galatasaray.

"Because of my roots, Turkey is naturally interesting. I also like the USA, I've been there on vacation several times,"

Gundogan told Sport1.

On his contract situation at Man City, Gundogan added:

"I'm not worried about that at the moment. I still have a contract in Manchester until 2023, I'm very happy there, both in sporting and private terms, and I can theoretically imagine ending my career with City."

Gundogan joined Man City for the first time under Guardiola in 2016, and the Spanish manager recently gushed about how much fun he was to work with.

"Gundogan was the first player we signed when I became a manager. It is a pleasure to work with people like Ilkay,"

Guardiola told mancity.com last week.

"I will never forget him. For me personally and for the team, he is an incredible football player, always grounded.

"He likes to be second position and always you can rely on him 100%. He gave us the Premier League (last season). He can play holding midfielder and attacking midfielder. He is so smart, can talk about the world."

"That is why he was voted by his mates as captain. We are incredibly happy with the decision we made to have him. In the first year he had an ACL injury but from the second season when we started winning the titles, he was there. It's a joy to have these human beings with you."

Over the course of his 269 appearances for City in all competitions, Gundogan has contributed 34 assists in addition to 51 goals.

The 62-cap German international has also collected 11 trophies overall, including four Premier League championships, during his time at the Etihad.

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