Why Gundogan snubbed Arsenal

Ilkay Gundogan has revealed why he snubbed a move to Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Gundogan left treble-winners Manchester City at the end of last season to join La Liga champions Barcelona on a free transfer.

Arsenal had offered Gundogan a two-year contract and were one of a number of clubs looking to lure in the Germany international.

The 32-year-old midfielder has now said that he turned down interest from other teams because it was his ‘childhood dream’ to sign for Barcelona.

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Asked if he would have extended his contract at City if the club had offered him more than a year, Gundogan told 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.

‘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.’

Gundogan has started all four of Barcelona’s La Liga matches so far this season since his summer switch, providing two assists, but is still keeping a close eye on Pep Guardiola’s side.

‘So far I’ve watched almost every game of my former club on TV, yes,’ Gundogan added.

‘I was in Manchester again before the start of the season and had a farewell party with Riyad Mahrez, which all the players also came to. That was a very nice goodbye. And contact with ex-colleagues and coaches will certainly continue.’