Barcelona are reportedly keen to explore the possibility of signing Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
The 32-year-old has again been an important player for the Citizens this season, making 25 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists in the process.
Gundogan's contract at the Etihad Stadium is due to expire at the end of June, though, and he is yet to make a decision on his future with the English champions.
According to The Telegraph, Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the German's situation in Manchester, as the Catalan outfit weigh up signing him on a free transfer this summer.
As it stands, Xavi's side are able to hold talks with Gundogan over a switch, but the midfielder allegedly wants to make a decision on his future with Man City before speaking to any other club.
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Gundogan arrived at the Citizens from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, and he has made 278 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 51 goals and contributing 35 assists in the process.
The midfielder has also enjoyed huge success in terms of trophies, winning four Premier League titles, one FA Cup and four EFL Cup crowns, in addition to two Community Shields.
Gundogan suggested towards the end of last year that his future at Man City depended on whether Pep Guardiola signed a new deal at the club, which was the case in November.
"I'm quite calm, confident with my situation and happy where I am. I don't feel there is a decision to take right now. It's quite normal to have rumours when you're in this situation," Gundogan told reporters at the time.
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"Also, the manager's contract is expiring in the summer, too, so I don't really know what's going to happen with him - no-one really knows.
"If you look back to my career then you will see everywhere I was, it was because of the manager that was there."
Barcelona are said to be open to letting Franck Kessie leave the club this year, with the Ivory Coast international struggling to make his mark since arriving on a free transfer from AC Milan.
Meanwhile, as it stands, Sergio Busquets's deal will expire at the end of June, which would see the Catalan outfit enter the market for a replacement.
Frenkie de Jong, though, is now widely expected to stay at Barcelona despite being heavily linked with a move away from the club during last summer's transfer window.
Matt Law
