Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan landed himself in hot water a few days ago when he was pictured with Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The 27-year-old, who was born in Germany but is of Turkish descent, met the political figure alongside Arsenal star Mesut Ozil last week.

Erdogan, who is currently running for re-election, has been accused by many of diminishing the democratic nature of Turkey after winning a referendum on constitutional changes in April 2017.

Now, according to Corriere dello Sport, City’s Gundogan is being targeted by Inter Milan, who will swoop for the midfielder if the Serie A outfit secure Champions League football for next season.

[ad_pod ]

There is nothing to say that the transfer story is linked to Gundogan’s recent off-field activities, but some City fans seem more open to the Germany international leaving due to the controversial meeting with Erdogan.

Midway through his first season at the Etihad Stadium, the midfielder suffered knee ligament damage, which kept him out for the remainder of the campaign.

This season, Gundogan made 48 appearances in all competitions, and 15 of them were Premier League starts.

The Gelsenkirchen-born player left Borussia Dortmund to join City in 2016, and he has often praised the relationship that he has with former manager Jurgen Klopp, who is currently in charge of Liverpool.

Gundogan has also spoken of his admiration for City boss Pep Guardiola, who some fans believe should sell the German this summer.

Others think that the six-goal star will stay put.