Arsenal are in ‘personal’ talks to sign Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan and hijack a deal from under the noses of Manchester United.
Reports in Germany from Sport Bild state that the Gunners are keen to bring the player to the Premier League and that United, who were previously reported to be close to a deal, are dragging their heels due to his injury record.
That has allowed Arsenal to jump to the front of the queue and hold talks with the player’s family, with the aim to see him link-up with compatriots Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker at the Emirates Stadium.
24-year-old Gundogan would likely cost around £21m but would strengthen a midfield area that is Arsene Wenger’s priority for the summer.
Gundogan announced he would be following Jurgen Klopp out of Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season and is tipped to leave the Bundesliga entirely, with the Premier League stated to be his favoured destination.