Man City star Ilkay Gundogan set to make shock summer exit as he jets off to Madrid

ILKAY GUNDOGAN has been one of Manchester City's shining stars in the Pep Guardiola era

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Manchester City are set to lose another of their long-serving stars this summer according to reports, with Ilkay Gundogan set to join Fernandinho on his way out of the exit door at the end of the season.

Gundogan

Ilkay Gundogan has been one of Manchester City's best players in recent years (Image: GETTY)

The German star, 31, has been one of City's most impressive midfielders ever since his £20million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. He was Pep Guardiola's first signing at the start of the Spaniard's reign, and despite being tried alongside various partners in his career, the Dortmund hero has been a mainstay throughout.

Winning three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and four Carabao Cups, Gundogan's trophy cabinet is looking rather fruitful after a superb six seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

But according to the Daily Mail, Gundogan will be allowed to leave after not being guaranteed game time next year - with the German being spotted on a private flight to Spain on Monday, raising suggestions that Real Madrid could be a potential next destination.

The report states that whilst talks have been amicable, Guardiola has told the long-serving maestro that he is free to find another club in the summer following the final day showdown against Aston Villa. The German only has one year left on his contract, with City looking to take advantage of their last chance to recoup a fee.

It is thought that Gundogan is at a stage in his career where he expects to be a permanent starter every week. But with their star-studded squad, that is not something that City's coaching staff can afford to offer him.

It is understood that any notion of a contract extension has been disregarded to Gundogan, which may have enhanced his decision further.

Guardiola

Pep Guardiola could give his star the chance to leave should he wish to (Image: GETTY)

Real attempted to sign him when he was with Dortmund, and although his trip has been granted by City chiefs - who have given their players two days off ahead of the Villa tie - it is unknown as to whether Gundogan has gone for talks with the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.

Gundogan is the most successful German player in Premier League history, and will have won four titles should City beat Villa at the weekend.

And he is his country's top scorer in the competition, ranking ahead of Jurgen Klinsmann, Leroy Sane and Mesut Ozil.

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