Exclusive: Ilkay Gundogan Set for Man City Exit as Guardiola Plots Midfield Overhaul

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is weighing up his options having been told he his surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium.

The respected German international has won five Premier League titles with the Citizens, as well as the Champions League title.

But the experienced playmaker, who is playing his eighth season for the club, turns 35 in October this year and SportsBoom sources understand he will not be part of Pep Guardiola’s rebuild at the club.

Guardiola is looking to sign young players who can help get the club back to their winning ways with Liverpool having seemingly snatched the Premier League title away from them.

Gundogan first signed for City in June 2016 and enjoyed memorable success with the club, before leaving to sign for Spanish giants Barcelona on a two-year contract on a free transfer.

But the former Borussia Dortmund man, capped 82 times by his country, spent just one season at the Camp Nou having struggled to adapt to life in Spain and returned to City last summer.

GROWING SPECULATION

Speculation is growing that City are interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga as Gundogan’s replacement.

Guardiola has issues in midfield with Jack Grealish and Bernarndo Silva also linked with moves away due to lack of game-time.

Gundogan, who is also a two-time FA Cup winner with the club – and four-time League Cup champion – has played 25 games this season, with Guardiola keen to utilise his vast experience.

But City are 22 points behind Liverpool in the title race and have lost an alarming amount of games this season to leave them sitting in fifth place in the top-flight.

In all they have lost nine of their 29 league games this season, their worst losing record under legendary boss Guardiola.

SportsBoom understands Gundogan is keen for a move away from the Premier League and doesn’t want to sign for another club in the English top flight after his special spell with City.