Ilkay Gundogan sends warning to Manchester City about player sales to Chelsea and Arsenal

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan believes the players sold to Premier League rivals this summer can add a different dimension to their new clubs.

Speaking as part of an extended interview, Gundogan also spoke on Manchester City's new recruits including Erling Haaland, whom he missed out on the opportunity to play with during the Cityzens’ pre-season tour of the United States.

However, the German midfielder revealed that their lockers in the dressing room are next to each other so the pair have had plenty of time to talk.

But for the most part, football has not been a topic of conversation.

“We haven’t really spoken football yet,” explained Gundogan.

“He is sitting next to me in the dressing room so we spoke about personal stuff but not about football so far.”

Despite the two not discussing their work, the 31-year-old was quick to praise the young striker’s mentality, going as far to say that it will aid him in his transition to the Premier League.

“The mentality that he has speaks for itself, with that right mentality, he is not going to struggle a lot to adapt to English football.

"What you can see is that he definitely has the hunger and the desire to score goals.”

One thing which Erling Haaland was known for during his time with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga was his physique, which made him extremely difficult for opposing defences to contain.

According to Ilkay Gundogan, this presence is something which Pep Guardiola’s squad has been missing, adding that it will be especially helpful during aerial duels.

“His physique gives us more flexibility,” said the German international.

“We finally have someone that can go into aerial duels, so it adds a lot of value to our team."

Ilkay Gundogan in action for Manchester City (News Images / Alamy)

Besides Haaland, the Etihad officials used the summer transfer window to bring in new signings Julian Alvarez, Stefan Ortega Moreno, and Kalvin Phillips.

To make these moves, several key players such as Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Raheem Sterling, amongst others, had to be sold.

Having played alongside the outgoing trio, winning several trophies and making it deep into continental competitions, the German midfielder knows that the trio will bring a lot of experience to their new clubs.

“They have all won the Premier League several times,” said Gundogan.

"They have experience on how to do it, the way to do it and I think they can pass this experience on or at least lead the line.”