Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave the club for Barcelona days after their Champions league final clash against Inter Milan, according to reports.

The German midfield maestro could reportedly join the Spanish giants next week, with his City contract on the brink of expiry.

They will formally announce the signing after the showdown tomorrow, Mundo Deportivo reports.

City are hopeful of keeping the 32-year-old, but reports in Spain claim he sees a move to Barca on a three-year deal as the most appealing option.

Having joined Pep Guardiola's side in 2016, the 32-year-old could depart boasting a packed trophy cabinet from his time at the club, including five Premier League titles. 

Ilkay Gundogan could leave Manchester City for Barcelona after the Champions league final

But so far the Champions League has eluded him, and he knows the bitter taste of defeat from starting in two final losses - with Borussia Dortmund in 2013 and City in 2021. 

He could go out in style as City chase an historic Treble having won the Premier League and FA Cup. 

Gundogan has been instrumental to City's scintillating form since February, starting 21 of their 27 unbeaten games after their defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. 

And his knack of chipping in with crucial goals will undoubtedly be missed, with his double in their 2-1 win over rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final particularly notable. 

Guardiola has adapted Gundogan's position in recent seasons, freeing the German to assume a more advanced role, and this decision has paid dividends again this campaign after another 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions. 

He would join at a watershed moment for Xavi's Barcelona project, with defensive midfield enforcer Sergio Busquets leaving after 18 years at the club.

Gundogan's experience would be a critical factor in Barcelona's rebuild as they look to further develop young midfielders such as Gavi and Pedri should they choose to stay long-term.