Manchester City are reportedly ‘still pushing’ to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol this summer, who is keen on a switch to the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola has made signing a new centre-back one of his priorities and the 21-year-old is widely considered to be one of the best young defenders in Europe.
Man City will have to pay a huge sum to secure Gvardiol’s services, though, who has a price tag of approximately (€100m) £86m. This would make him the most expensive defender in football history.
Two weeks ago, reports suggested that Gvardiol’s move to Man City was a done deal after they matched his huge valuation. A move is yet to materialise, however, and things have seemed to go quiet.
The Croatia international has since started pre-season with Leipzig. There are still negotiations going on behind the scenes regarding a transfer, though.
Gvardiol has already chalked up 21 caps for Croatia and has plenty of experience at the highest level. He has made 87 appearances for Leipzig, 12 of which came in the Champions League. Now, he is ready for a fresh challenge with Man City.
Man City move for Gvardiol ‘gaining momentum’
According to German outlet Bild, Gvardiol is still ‘set to leave Leipzig’ after Man City agreed to match the German club’s valuation.
They state an agreement was reached ‘four weeks ago.’ Leipzig postponed talks, however, as they didn’t want his sale to drive up the price for the signings they wanted to carry out.
Now, they are not expected to make any further additions, so Gvardiol’s move to Man City can now move forward.
Bild add that the negotiations are now ‘gaining momentum,’ which is good news for Guardiola and his team.
This claim was backed up by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna on Tuesday. On Twitter, he said: ” Positive discussions took place today between the Manchester City board and one of the intermediaries in the Gvardiol deal.
“The Cityzens are confident that the club can complete the deal. The player has already given his agreement.”
Therefore, barring any last-minute twists, Gvardiol will be playing at the Etihad next season. This could have ramifications for one Man City player.
Aymeric Laporte has been linked with a move away from the Cityzens for some time. The Spaniard has been linked with Arsenal, Tottenham, Athletic Bilbao and Juventus recently.
With Gvardiol’s move to Man City edging closer, Guardiola may now give Laporte the green light to move elsewhere.
Considering Gvardiol’s price tag, it’s likely he will go straight into the City starting XI. With that in mind, it will be interesting to see who Guardiola drops for him.
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