“Arteta knows him and we probably haven’t broken off contact”

Arsenal have been backed to sign Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan by academy chairman Per Mertesacker.

Arsenal are looking for a new midfielder this summer and have been promoted to follow Gundogan. The German is set to become a free agent when his contract expires at the end of this month.

Gundogan is also interested in Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund with some of Europe’s top clubs looking to make the most of his presence. Former German teammate Mertesacker has hinted that Arsenal are in an excellent position to sign the midfielder. He told German broadcaster ZDF (via TalkSPORT):

“Okay, mission accomplished. I guess the clubs are waiting in line.”

Mertesacker was a cash analyst at ZDF and watched as Gundogan steered Manchester City to Champions League glory. His team beat Inter Milan 1-0 in the European Final on Saturday (June 10).

Gundogan also played under Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta when the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Al Ittihad. Mertesacker hinted at his relationship with the former Manchester City assistant coach:

“Because (Mikel) Arteta knows him and maybe we didn’t cut the connection, we are in a good position. I think he will let everything sink in first and then choose between one of the four clubs.”

Gundogan has been in scintillating form this season. The 32-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 51 appearances across all competitions. The German played a key role in Guardiola’s men winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.

Arsenal have recently enjoyed a talent acquisition from title contenders this season. They lured Gabriel Jesus and Aleksandr Zinchenko to the Emirates last summer, and could be ready to target Gundogan this time.

Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko congratulates Manchester City on winning the Champions League

Arsenal defender Zinchenko congratulated Manchester City after Citizens became European champions. The Ukrainian reposted a photo of the feat on his Instagram story and simply responded by adding applause emoticons.

Zinchenko left Guardiola’s side last summer for Arsenal in a £32m deal. He failed to win an elite competition in Europe during his six years in Manchester and lost a trophy in his first campaign in the Emirates.

The left-back enjoyed an impressive season for Arteta’s side, scoring 33 times and providing four goals. However, it will be a little disappointing to watch his former team win the treble just one year after he was gone.