One of Arsenal’s top transfer targets this summer signals intent to stay with Borussia Dortmund.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to turn down advances from the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid this summer to stay at Signal Iduna Park.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Germany international midfielder was amongst three names at the top of Gunners boss Arsene Wenger’s transfer shortlist this summer, with Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain and Bayer 04 Leverkusen defensive midfielder Lars Bender the others.
Almost 200,000 Real Madrid fans also recently voted for Gundogan as the midfielder they would most like to sign in a poll with Spanish publication Marca, with 57.8% of the 197,202 votes going to the Borussia Dortmund star.
However, Gundogan has not given any thoughts to discussing an exit, which will be a blow to both Arsenal and Real Madrid, as he is growing into one of the best players in the world in his position.
The box to box midfielder scored three goals and supplied three assists in the Bundesliga this past season, as well as averaging 2.3 tackles and 2.3 interceptions per match in the German top flight, illustrating his all round game.
Understandably his ability to control the middle of the park has attracted interest, but Gundogan is hopeful of a contract extension.
“After returning from Turkey, I will discuss with my family, my father will come back to Mr. Watzke and Mr. Zorc together,” says Gundogan, whose contract expires in summer 2015, in an interview with Kicker.
“Next season I will definitely play at Borussia Dortmund.”
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