Arsenal Transfer News: Ilkay Gundogan on Future Move, William Carvalho Rumours

Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan has given Arsenal hope despite agreeing a new deal in Germany, admitting that a move in 2016 is possible. Meanwhile, the chances of signing Sporting's William Carvalho look slim.

Gundogan penned a one-year extension at Signal Iduna Park this past week but has told German magazine Kicker (via talkSPORT) that a departure in "one or two years" could be on the cards: "For me it was always clear that all sides must benefit from it. I cannot say this will never happen; maybe in a year, maybe in two years. But a departure in the winter is not on the table."

Lars Baron/Getty Images

After a lengthy transfer saga linking him with a move to Manchester United, Gundogan performed a dramatic U-turn last week to extend his deal with Dortmund.

The player's alleged behaviour in working to engineer an exit hasn't gone down well with a portion of the club's fans, but ESPN FC writer Stefan Buczko sympathised with Gundogan:

The 24-year-old's previous deal at the Westfalenstadion was set to expire in 2016, and it was thought that Gundogan would follow the likes of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski out of the club's exit.

However, he's since opened up on the offers rejected in order to remain with the Black and Yellows, telling German newspaper Bild (via Goal's SW Lim) that the situation wasn't necessarily as the media portrayed it:

"

I believe that if I perform well and become a better player I can convince a lot of people. Hopefully I can also convince the ones that are upset now. They are upset because they believed what was said in the newspapers. I would have believed that as well if I was an outsider. I can even understand why fans are whistling me now. The situation was painted wrongly to the public.

But the club and myself know the truth. Both sides always confirmed that we treated each other honestly and fairly. I had lucrative offers that BVB knew of and I deliberately turned them down to stay.

"

Gundogan missed the entire 2013-14 campaign due to a recurring spinal injury but returned to the Dortmund lineup last season to showcase some of his best features once again.

As talkSPORT stated, Gunners manager Arsene Wenger was one of the managers being linked with the Germany international, with a view to joining the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere as part of Arsenal's new dynasty:

Lars Baron/Getty Images

The playmaker's latest comments confirmed that Gundogan won't be moving from his current setting until next summer at the earliest, unless the club makes a drastic shift of its own by choosing to cash in.

That being said, based on how new Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel fares in his first season in charge of the Bundesliga giants, a future pursuit of Gundogan may yet bear fruit.

William Carvalho to Remain at Sporting

Matej Divizna/Getty Images

Following news of Gundogan's stay in Germany, Sporting Lisbon destroyer Carvalho may have been eyed as a likely alternative, but it seems the Portugal international won't be moving this summer, either.

Speaking to Portuguese television station SIC (via Uche Amako of the Daily Express), Sporting manager Jorge Jesus proclaimed the club's intention to hold onto their emerging star: "William is a certainty. Sporting has young people who are already certainties, are not hopes or doubts. William will be enhanced if the team is also. Only players (who) value the team respond to winning titles. He's a player with features to play more. I have no doubt that with me (he) will play more."

Despite featuring for Portugal at last year's World Cup, the 23-year-old played every minute of his country's campaign at the European Under-21 Championship this summer, as they finished runners-up to Sweden.

Messi Minutes confirmed Carvalho's nomination as the Player of the Tournament, as he functioned as a rock-steady totem in the team's engine room before its defeat to the Swedes at the last hurdle:

Amako's report claimed that Carvalho has a £25 million release clause in Lisbon, but the Gunners have yet to register any concrete interest in the Primeira Liga talent.

His performances in the Czech Republic over this past month indicate Carvalho is capable of making that next step in his development, and Squawka Dave suggested his passing capability could fit in well with the north Londoners:

With Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini gravitating toward the Emirates Stadium exit and Abou Diaby having already departed, Arsenal's midfield core may well need strengthening this summer.

Alex Harris of the Daily Star confirmed last November that Sporting had purchased the full rights to Carvalho, eliminating any complications Arsenal might have seen as a result of third-party ownership.