After a battle-scarred veteran has won almost everything as captain of arguably the best team in the world, is it necessary for him to stay put and strive for even more glory? This is perhaps the question that had been weighing on Ilkay Gundogan's mind every day recently.

But now, all the pieces have fallen into place.

The Manchester City skipper, who guided the club to a historic Treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season, is set to sign a three-year contract with Spanish powerhouse Barcelona after turning down a deal to remain at the Etihad Stadium.

Gundogan, who was manager Pep Guardiola's first signing when he joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, has won 14 major trophies during his seven years at City. 

The midfielder was integral to the club reaching the summit last season as he netted 11 goals in 51 appearances, including a brace in the FA Cup final against arch-rivals Manchester United.

There is no doubt Guardiola was keen to keep Gundogan. Earlier this week, the Catalan tactician told reporters that City will do their utmost to extend their captain's stay in Manchester.

"We are interested in renewing his contract," said Guardiola. "I hope he stays with us. We are still fighting for him to stay with us. He is a player we want to stay – and we will do all we can."

According to multiple media outlets, City offered Gundogan a new one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months but his wage demands plus Barcelona offering him three years means Guardiola's side are forced to accept their talisman's departure.

To soften the blow, City have agreed a deal to sign Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic, who had been a crucial player at the Blues since joining from Real Madrid on a five-year deal in 2019. The Croatia midfielder was part of the Chelsea side who won the Champions League in 2021, coming on as a substitute in the final win over City.

Chelsea are continuing to trim their bloated squad for new manager Mauricio Pochettino. Their German star Kai Havertz, who scored the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final, will join Arsenal in the coming days. It is understood the clubs have made an agreement in principle that will allow Havertz to discuss personal terms and have a medical.

Chelsea's French midfielder N'Golo Kante is also on his way out, having agreed a three-year deal with Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. Kante leaves the Blues having won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League during his stint at the capital club.

It has also been reported that Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech could join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.