07 June 2023 , 11:59
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Mikel Arteta's transfer plans have suffered a dent as Arsenal look set to miss out on two targets who are the subject of interest from multiple clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Both Ilkay Gundogan and N'Golo Kante were players the Gunners boss was rumoured to be keen on bringing to the Emirates. Arteta has already proven he is a big fan of signing players who already boast Premier League experience and his sights were set on the Manchester City star, while Chelsea star Kante was also linked.
However, Arsenal are on course to sign neither as a result of the Gulf State's relentless recruitment this summer. Kante is on the verge of putting pen to paper on a two-year deal with Al-Ittihad, which would see him pocket an eye-watering £172million.
According to the rumours, Gundogan could join Kante out in Saudi Arabia as the end of his contract at the Etihad creeps closer. Saturday's Champions League final could be the last time the Germany international dons the sky blue shirt before he walks away without generating Pep Guardiola's side a penny in transfer fees.
For now, Gundogan's full focus is of course on the task at hand against Inter Milan with the one trophy that has eluded City on the line. As soon as the dust settles though, the midfielder has a big decision to make.
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Not only are City keen on keeping him, but Arsenal are not the only major European outfit interested in the former Borussia Dortmund talent.
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Ilkay Gundogan and N'Golo Kante have both been linked with moves to both Arsenal and clubs in Saudi ArabiaSpanish titans Barcelona are also thought to be keen on landing Gundogan's signature, but he is not viewed as a priority target at the Camp Nou.
Both representatives of Arsenal and the Saudi clubs interested would have raised eyebrows at the recent update from Gundogan's agent Ilhan, who quashed talk his client had made a decision on his next move.
"Nothing has been agreed with City or any other club," the agent declared. "The recent reports are not true. Ilkay is only focused on the (Champions League) final."
Gundogan himself echoed a similar sentiment during City's FA Cup celebrations, as he told BBC Sport: "To be honest I don’t need these kind of days to feel appreciated and to feel special in this club.
"I know that, that is why I am here already seven years with all the ups and downs I’ve had so far. Nothing is decided yet so we’re gonna see what’s going to happen."
The fact that Gundogan has the freedom to choose his next destination given his potential status as a free agent makes this transfer saga all the more interesting.