Andres Iniesta has left Barcelona, providing the club management with a massive headache around his midfield position.
Iniesta has been a revelation for Barcelona in all these years, owning that midfield and providing a very smooth transition between defence and the forward line.
His subtle bursts of pace and sublime dribbling skills made him one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.
And now with him gone, Barcelona are out in the transfer market looking for a suitable replacement.
Ilkay Gundogan has been identified as the prime target.
Gundogan currently plies his trade at Manchester City, where he was brought in by Pep Guardiola for a price of just £20 million.
Gundogan has 2 years still left on his contract and thus Barcelona will have to shell out £50 million according to The Sun in order to get the German to Nou Camp.
Gundogan is currently in Russia with the German squad for the World Cup.
Pep Guardiola, however, is not willing to sell the German as he considers him an integral part of his future plans.
Gundogan has replied to the rumours saying that he is currently looking to achieve more things with Manchester City and is focussed on the job at hand.
“I have plenty of time on my current contract, two years to go.
“But it also depends on the club if they want me to stay. Everyone can see and feel I am really happy here.
“With the way we play, with the people around me, in the city, in the community, I really enjoy it here and really enjoy my life. I’m happy.”
“It was great to win the Premier League title, but there are plenty of things still to achieve.’
“We are committed to this every year at City, not just the players, but the coaching staff, to try to win the biggest trophies.” Gundogan said.
