Ilkay Gundogan set to reject offer from Arsenal as he prefers to join Barcelona

Ilkay Gundogan, the captain of Manchester City, is prepared to reject a prospective transfer to Arsenal. 

This follows significant conversations with Xavi Hernandez, manager of Barcelona. 

Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo are the top targets for Arsenal as they look to restructure their central midfield, but Gundogan has also surfaced as a possible possibility.

Gundogan and Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, previously collaborated at Manchester City. 

Gundogan is gradually leaning toward joining Barcelona, who have provided him with a three-year deal, despite Arsenal's desire.

The Barcelona manager, Xavi, was instrumental in persuading Gundogan that he would play a big part in the team's forthcoming campaign.