Barcelona are yet to make any significant move in the market as we approach the summer transfer window.
After missing out on Lionel Messi, the club are focusing on the pursuit of Ilkay Gundogan. After leading the English champions to a historic treble this season, the Manchester City star has become a wanted prospect in the market.
According to The Athletic, Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of Gundogan, knowing he might be one of the few top-quality players the club could realistically sign this summer, especially after missing out on Messi.
As per the report, Barça have improved their three-year offer for Gundogan.
The La Liga champions had offered the German a three-year deal worth around €27 million and are now understood to have improved their proposal.
It must be noted that the Catalans are facing stiff competition from Manchester City in the race to sign the German international.
The Premier League giants, after all, are determined to keep hold of Gundogan after the midfielder impressed with his leadership qualities, coupled with his performances.
The German’s performances have not gone unnoticed either, with even Arsenal keen on signing the veteran ahead of the new season. Barcelona, though, have been tracking the midfielder for a long time and may have a shot at signing the player.
But The Athletic adds that there are doubts whether Barcelona’s improved offer will be enough to convince the former Borussia Dortmund star. This is because the Blaugrana are not in a position to guarantee Gundogan’s registration even if the player reaches an agreement with the club.
Reports recently have suggested that Barça can only register four players at the moment, including Ronald Araujo and Gavi – two players who had penned a renewal at Camp Nou last year.
With that in mind, Barcelona must quickly sanction the exit of their unwanted stars if they are to carry forward their plans in the transfer market this summer.