Barcelona have decided to press ahead with a move for Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan after watching his performance against Bayern Munich.
That’s according to Sport, who say that Barcelona no longer have any doubts about the player and believe he is the one they need to reinforce their midfield for next season.
His display in the 3-0 win over Bayern has ‘reinforced’ Barcelona’s interest in him and those in charge at the Nou Camp have now decided to ‘tighten financially’ to ensure that they do not miss out on signing him.
The Manchester City midfielder has asked for a very high salary in current negotiations, which has proven to be an issue given the wage cap placed on Barca by La Liga, but the Catalans are clear in their belief that there is room to reach an agreement.
That is because they know that Gundogan and his agents want to make the switch happen, so there is a willingness to get a deal over the line.
The German midfielder is ‘not listening to Manchester City’ at this point in time, making it clear he wants to join Barcelona and finish his career there.
That decision is final, but they now need to reach an economic agreement as his entourage want to maintain the salary he earns at the Etihad, which is not possible for Barcelona. They are therefore exploring formulas with a longer period than the two years they planned.
They have ‘transmitted peace’ to the player and his representatives, though, and are now pushing ahead with their plans for a deal after watching him shine in the Champions League.
