Ilkay Gundogan is reportedly close to signing for Real.
Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, according to Real-focussed website Defensa Central.
The La Liga giants have reportedly already identified the holding midfield position as in need of strengthening next summer and Gundogan, 22, is close to signing a five-year deal.
Real will pay €20m plus the permanent transfer of Nuri Sahin, who is spending a second consecutive season on loan at Dortmund but has a contract in Madrid until 2017.
Defensa say Gundogan will compete with Asier Illarramendi, 23, for the deep-lying midfield playmaker role next season but the German international’s arrival will cast further doubt on the future of contract-rebel Xabi Alonso.
Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Turkish-born pass-master Gundogan and if the player does move to the Santiago Bernabeu, it may strengthen Barca’s reported interest in Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere.
COMMENTS