Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has revealed that in-demand midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will leave the club this summer.
The Germany international recently rejected an offer to sign a new deal with the club that would have replaced his current contract which runs out at the end of next season.
With only an year left on his deal, Dortmund have been expected to sell the player this summer, while the midfielder himself wants to go, and Watzke has confirmed that Gundogan will leave the club at the end of the season.
“It is unquestionable that he will leave Borussia Dortmund this summer”, the club CEO told Sport Bild.
The Dortmund CEO also revealed that the club wanted to keep the 24-year-old at the Westfalenstadion but the player had different ideas about his future.
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“It was not our wish to see him leave but it was his wish. Then we said, ‘Ok then we will sell you and focus our plans differently.
“I am quite confident that there are multiple clubs who want him.”
Barcelona were believed to be keen to sign the midfielder but since they are serving a FIFA ban from the transfer market, the club are in no position to get a deal done this summer.
Arsenal and Manchester United have been keeping a close watch on the 24-year-old and are expected to pounce once the transfer window opens next week.
The German Cup final against Wolfsburg on Saturday might turn out to be Gundogan’s last game in Dortmund colours.
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