Manchester City transfer news update: Manchester City has been strongly linked with a move for Gvardiol but he will not come cheap
The Premier League champions Manchester City have made great progress in their pursuit of the Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol after RB Leipzig’s sports director Max Eberl revealed that Gvardiol wants to join them. According to reports, the 21-year-old center back and Manchester City have already reached an agreement about personal terms, and talks between the two clubs have begun.
Max Eberl admitted Gvardiol and his agents’ plans to join Manchester City in an interview with the German publication LVZ, saying, “I can confirm that Josko Gvardiol and his agents have informed us about their desire to move to Manchester City. We are currently in talks with Manchester. That’s all there is to say at the moment.”
For the gifted defender, RB Leipzig is apparently holding out for a huge transfer price of at least €100 million. Gvardiol would become the most expensive defender in football history if City paid such a sum. Manchester City, who are renowned for having high transfer goals, are desperate to improve their defensive alternatives. The possibility of Aymeric Laporte leaving and the uncertainties surrounding Kyle Walker’s future have made Gvardiol a top priority for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Gvardiol has caught Guardiola’s eye for his outstanding talents on the ball and in defensive duels. His contract with RB Leipzig has a release clause of £97 million expected to become activated in 2024.
The Manchester City boss believes that Gvardiol will be a perfect addition to his team, especially given that he intends to use a four-center-back formation in the forthcoming campaign. Gvardiol’s potential influence at the Etihad Stadium is further highlighted by Guardiola’s decision for the young Croatian over a full-back acquisition.
Gvardiol would be another marquee signing for Manchester City if they are successful in obtaining his services. This summer, they strengthened their Croatian contingent by acquiring Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic for a rumored £25 million.
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