Ilkay Gundogan is exploring his options ahead of a possible exit from Barcelona, and a report has revealed the midfielder could return to the Premier League.

It emerged on Saturday that Gundogan had expressed a desire to leave the club this summer, just 12 months after he joined on a free transfer from Manchester City.

Manager Hansi Flick revealed shortly after the 2-1 win over Valencia, which Gundogan missed because of an apparent head injury, that he had spoken with the 33-year-old and was confident he would remain at the club beyond the summer window.

However, The Athletic state Gundogan is open to looking elsewhere, with clubs from Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia all known to hold long-term interest in a deal for the midfielder.

Gundogan is also said to have interest from the Premier League, where he spent seven successful years with City following his arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

Catalunya Radio claim Gundogan reached out to City to discuss a possible return to the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola also open to getting a deal done.

A return to City is also mentioned in a fresh report from The Athletic, who name the reigning Premier League champions as one of his suitors.

Barcelona are not believed to be desperate to offload Gundogan but recognise the boost their finances would receive if they parted ways with the high-earning veteran.

New signing Dani Olmo has not yet been registered following his €60m switch from RB Leipzig, and Gundogan’s departure would free up the sort of money needed to finalise the 26-year-old’s place in Barcelona’s squad.

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