Ilkay Gundogan reveals why he turned down Arsenal transfer despite Mikel Arteta relationship
Ilkay Gundogan has opened up on his decision to join Barcelona over the likes of Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
The German international established himself as one of Europe's best midfielders at Manchester City, scoring a number of crucial goals last season as Pep Guardiola's side won the treble. But his contract at the Etihad Stadium expired earlier this summer, with the Gunners one of many teams mooted as a potential destination.
Reports claimed that Mikel Arteta was keen to bring the former Borussia Dortmund playmaker to north London, with the pair having worked together at City during the Spaniard's time as Guardiola's assistant coach. Now, Gundogan has spoken about his decision to choose a move to the Nou Camp over a Premier League stay.
When asked if he would have extended his contract with the Citizens if he had been offered an extension longer than a year, the 32-year-old told German outlet BILD: «I’m honest. And many people don’t know this: In the end, it wasn’t about a year or two.
»There was no problem with the running time. City waited a relatively long time until the talks really intensified.
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«If this had happened a little earlier, the situation would have been different. So in the end it was the perfect ending, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
»It was also my childhood dream to play for FC Barcelona." In the end, it seemed that Arsenal just couldn't compete with Barcelona considering it was Gundogan's dream to play for the Catalan giants.
The Gunners then moved on to other targets, eventually signing Gundogan's international teammate Kai Havertz from Chelsea.
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