One of the hottest properties of German football, Ilkay Gundogan has been given a contract ultimatum by his club, Borussia Dortmund.
The player has one and half years left in his contract.
This must have alerted a number of top clubs across the English Premier League interested in signing the player, which includes Manchester United and Arsenal.
Manchester United's interest in the player to strengthen their midfield is nothing new, but Arsenal are keen on acquiring the services of the German star.
Arsene Wenger is a fan of the German international and has tried to lure the player to the Emirates in the past as well. The Gunners manager was keen on the player even after having signed Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid for a record club fee of £42m in 2013.
The Daily Mirror reports that Wenger is aware of a potential availability of Gundogan in a £16m deal.
This fee could be a bargain for any club, which would want to acquire his services, as the player is one of the best footballers in the Dortmund's side.
Though, the club may not be interested in parting ways with the player, they might have to listen to other offers, which comes their way, as he is yet to sign a new contract.
Some media reports in Germany suggest that the player is not interested in a new contract and seems to be eager for a move to the English Premier League.
If the player does not want to sign a new contract, Dortmund might be better off selling the player, for they could make some smart money before allowing the player to leave the club on a free, after his contract expires.
But, Dortmund have always been keen on retaining the player by offering him a new contract.
Without a shadow of doubt Ilkay Gundogan is a top player, but teams signing the German international need to consider his back injury, which kept him out of football for more than a year.
So would he be able to star in the new club as soon as he is signed?
With Borussia Dortmund suffering in the relegation zone, a move away to the Emirates could be 'what the doctor ordered' for the German international.
Ilkay Gundogan joined Borussia Dortmund in 2011 from FC Nurenberg and has also represented the German national side ever since, though he has been plagued by injuries.
