Manchester City have been dealt a massive blow, with a new report indicating that Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave the club in the summer.

The Lowdown: Gundogan's contract

Gundogan's current deal with the reigning Premier League champions expires in June 2023, meaning he will leave the club for free in the summer if no agreement can be reached to extend his stay in Manchester.

According to Football Insider sources, the Sky Blues have been in touch with the German's representatives to discuss an extension, but so far nothing has come to fruition, with the ball firmly in the player's court.

The Latest: Set to leave?

Manchester Evening News, relaying information from Spanish sources, have now indicated that if there is 'no radical turn of events', the 32-year-old will move on to pastures new at the end of the season.

At this point, the maestro is deemed to be in the 'preferential position' in the negotiations, so it will now become a waiting game to see whether he wants to commit to extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

The Verdict: Huge loss

The 66-time Germany international is held in such high esteem by his teammates, that he was the winner of a vote for the role of club captain for the 2022/23 campaign, highlighting his importance in the dressing room.

That respect is not just limited to the other players, with manager Pep Guardiola previously describing his first ever Man City signing as 'incredible', high praise indeed from the Spaniard.

However, it is fully merited given his performances on the pitch, notably performing for the Sky Blues in a crucial game last season, scoring twice to ensure his side won their fourth Premier League title in five years, spearheading a remarkable achievement.

Although he is now 32, the £21.5m-rated playmaker clearly still has a lot to offer City, who should advance contract negotiations with him as soon as possible.