Arsenal have reportedly contacted Borussia Dortmund regarding the possible summer transfer of defender Ilkay Gundogan. The Gunners have been chasing the 24-year-old Germany international from the last five months. After Bundesliga club declined initial of £18.4 million, Gunners are likely to improve the bid for their desired man.
Several other European clubs including Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Barcelona are also interested in the midfielder.
Ilkay Gundogan has one year left in his current contract with the Bundesliga club.
United, meanwhile, are in pole position to sign Mat Hummels from Borussia Dortmund after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger announced that he is not in the market for a new defender this summer.
The 20-time Barclay Premier League champions are expected to sign a £28.5m deal with Bundesliga club to bring the 26-year-old defender to Old Trafford.
United are also in talks with Southampton over Nathaniel Clyne’s transfer and are reportedly set to launch an improved bid of £18m for England international.
The Old Trafford club had completed the signing of PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay last week in a €30m deal to begin their £150m summer recruitment drive.
The reigning Premier League champions Chelsea, meanwhile, are close to signing 19-year-old Robert Kenedy from Fluminense after completing the signing of his Brazil Under-20 international teammate Nathan de Sauza from Atlético Paranaense.
Kenedy is also monitored by Barcelona, United, Internazionale and several of Europe’s other top clubs.
However, neither Nathan nor Kenedy and are likely to qualify for work permits to play next season’s Premier League because of English Home Office’s new regulations.
The Stamford Bridge club is expected to loan out both young stars to Belgian club Royal Mouscron Peruwelz to further their development.