Manchester City would like to re-sign Ilkay Gundogan amid ongoing uncertainty around his Barcelona future, reports have claimed.

Gundogan was first linked with an exit from Barca by the Spanish press over the weekend, with the 33-year-old said to have handed in a transfer request due to behind-the-scenes tensions.

The midfielder only joined Barcelona last summer on a free transfer upon the expiry of his City contract, and The Athletic write that the Premier League champions want him back.

City are not alone in the race however, with over English sides interested in Gundogan. Teams in Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are also looking into a deal.

Upon his exit from City last year, Arsenal explored a move for Gundogan, though failed with their attempts. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta worked with Gundogan during his time as an assistant coach at the Etihad Stadium, though it is unclear whether the north Londoners are among the clubs monitoring his situation this time around.

Barcelona’s financial woes have left them unable to register marquee summer signing Dani Olmo with La Liga, though he is currently overcoming fitness issues and would not have been able to feature in their season opener against Valencia regardless. Barca ran out 2-1 winners at the Mestalla to begin the Hansi Flick era with three points.

City, meanwhile, began their quest for a record fifth-successive Premier League title with a 2-0 triumph at Chelsea, inflicting a first defeat upon new Blues boss Enzo Maresca.

In Gundogan’s absence, City managed to win last season’s Premier League, though their attempts to retain the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup fell flat. They were dumped out of Europe by eventual winners Real Madrid on penalties at the quarter-final stage, while rivals Manchester United triumphed at Wembley in a repeat of the 2023 FA Cup final.

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