Manchester City are reportedly worried that Ilkay Gundogan could depart the club this summer.
Gundogan, who was Pep Guardiola's first ever signing at the Etihad Stadium, moved from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for £21 million.
The German was appointed as club captain ahead of the new campaign, following the departure of veteran midfielder Fernandinho in the summer.
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Gundogan made his 201st start for the Blues against Leicester City on Saturday afternoon, as City beat the Foxes 1-0 at the King Power Stadium, courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne's stunning free-kick.
The 32 year-old has won 11 pieces of silverware, including four Premier League titles with Manchester City.
Gundogan has played a pivotal role in two of those title victories, most recently in May, when the German scored twice against Aston Villa.
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The City skipper scored two late goals, as the Sky Blues dramatically came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 and retain their Premier League crown.
The German international was also the Blues' top goalscorer in the 2020/21 campaign - netting 17 times for Pep Guardiola's side.
In May, Mike Keegan reported that the City midfielder was "set to leave" the Premier League Champions in the summer, with the German claimed to have been told that he could find another club.
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Gundogan remained at the Etihad Stadium, though has now entered the final 12 months of his current contract.
A new deal has not been ruled out for the midfielder, though Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich have recently been linked with the four-time Premier League winner.
However, fresh doubt has been casted over the future of the 32 year-old, with Football Insider claiming that he could depart the Etihad Stadium at the end of the season.
Wayne Veysey claims that Manchester City 'fear' that Gundogan will reject a new contract and leave the club in 2023.
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City are said to be "keen" to keep hold of the midfielder, who is expected to be a part of Germany's World Cup squad next month.
Gundogan has in the past been linked with Barcelona, and the City star could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in the new year.
Football Insider further report the club have been in contact with Gundogan's camp about agreeing new terms.
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Speaking earlier in the season about his long-term future, Gundogan said: "I am very happy at Manchester City. I was all the time I’m at the club. It’s football, it’s business, we will see what happens at the end of the season."
Topics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Ilkay Gundogan, Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Premier League, Bundesliga
Harry Winters