Man City to battle Barcelona for free agent Gündogan – Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that they will fight for IIker Gundogan against Barcelona. It has been reported by ESPN that the midfielder make a call on his future in the ongoing week.

The German’s contract with the Cityzens will expire at the end of June. However, the club has offered Gundogan to extend his contract. In fact, Gundogan has been with Manchester City for seven years and has played a key role in the success of the team in these years. Gundogan also scored in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

On the other hand, Barcelona has also shown interest in the German international with their head coach Xavi Hernandez claiming the same.

“We are interested in renewing his contract and [Barcelona] are also interested,” Guardiola told reporters at the Puma Legends golf tournament on Monday.

“I hope he stays with us. We are still fighting for him to stay with us. He is a player we want to stay — and we will do all we can — but we know Barca want him.

“If Barca sign him, they will have a spectacular footballer on their hands. I am aware Xavi has called him a lot. If, in the end, he picks Barca, I will tell him he will enjoy himself.”

Meanwhile, it was earlier reported that Barcelona was also interested in signing Cancelo but City are not ready to let him go.

“I read that, but Xavi has been misinformed,” Guardiola said in response to those comments. “The reality is that João had to leave and we didn’t mind where he went — no offer arrived from Barca.”

The Spaniard also confirmed that they are not looking to rope in forward Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain.

“We won’t make a move for Mbappé,” the City coach confirmed. “You already know where he wants to go.”