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Arsenal and Liverpool frozen out as Pep Guardiola contacts officials to do business
MANCHESTER CITY have muscled in on the race to sign Ilkay Gundogan, according to reports.
Manchester City reportedly want to sign Ilkay Guendogan
Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been linked with the Borussia Dortmund player over recent weeks, with a summer bidding war tipped to take place.
But The Sun on Sunday claim City have earmarked the midfielder for their new-look side under incoming manager Pep Guardiola.
And with City's financial resources they are now favourites to sign him.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were thought to be eyeing a move for the player despite agent Mino Raiola revealing it will be difficult to conduct deals this summer.
The Gunners are said to be open to spending £25m on the Germany international but hope to drive down that price as he enters the last 12 months of his contract.
Ilkay Gundogan's top footballing achievements
But City have the greater incentive to sign the midfielder, The Sun on Sunday claim.
Guardiola is ready to offload Yaya Toure - possibly on Italian giants Inter Milan - this summer and requires a replacement in the heart of the team.
And Gundogan is said to be the man to take over those duties.