Arsenal ‘face competition from Saudi Arabia to sign Man City star Ilkay Gundogan’

Arsenal face competition from Saudi Arabia in the race to sign Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan, reports say.

The Gunners have long been admirers of the Germany international, who has been linked with a departure from the Etihad despite City’s success.

According to the Evening Standardhave clubs in Saudi Arabia shown interest in Gundogan and could rival Arsenal’s bid for the midfielder.

Reports last month suggested Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had identified the midfielder as one of his key summer transfer targets.

However, their hopes of capturing the 32-year-old in the coming months may have been dashed by rumors of interest from abroad.

The Germany international has been a key part of Man City’s success, having already won the Premier League and the FA Cup this season.

He could become the latest star to make the move to the Middle East amid a number of players opting to join the Saudi league.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that Karim Benzema has signed a three-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad after leaving Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante is approaching a sensational move to the same club in a two-year contract worth £172 million.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has also been offered a lucrative £45 million deal to move to the Middle East next season.

Former Real Madrid and Man United star Cristiano Ronaldo has played in the Saudi league since the start of the calendar year, scoring 14 goals in 16 games.

PSG star Lionel Messi has also been tipped to make a stunning move to the Middle East, but that will also be matched by lucrative bids from the MLS.