Ilkay Gündogan confirms talks with Sebastian Kehl but rules out Borussia Dortmund move

Ilkay Gündogan has all but ruled out a return to Borussia Dortmund despite holding talks with sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

The current contract of Ilkay Gündogan is set to expire at the end of the month, and Borussia Dortmund fans were hoping that the midfielder would make a spectacular return to the club. It was even reported earlier this month that the Black and Yellows have submitted an offer to Gündogan in the hopes of signing him on a free transfer.

The 32 year old revealed during a press conference on Monday that Sebastian Kehl did indeed hold talks with his agent, but added that he is not considering a return to Borussia Dortmund at the moment.

"“There has been contact, I can reveal that much. Not with me personally, but between Sebastian Kehl and my agent. Of course I have a strong connection with BVB. The fact that rumors have come up did not surprise me. But the probability in all honesty was not so high. For me, going back to the Bundesliga is not a big issue.”"

Gündogan also said that he has not yet made a final decision on his future. The likes of FC Barcelona and Arsenal are said to be in the race for his signature, while a stay at Manchester City also remains an option for the treble winner.

Borussia Dortmund are looking to bolster their midfield ranks this summer. And it is no surprise that they had interest in bringing Ilkay Gündogan back to the club. But the Germany international, who spent five years at BVB before moving to Manchester City, would like to continue to play abroad.

Sebastian Kehl and co. will look to find a breakthrough in their attempts to replace Jude Bellingham in the coming weeks, and it will be interesting to see who they end up signing.