Manchester City is close to the arrival of Josko Gvardiol. Talks with RB Leipzig are advanced, as reported by Sky Sports and The Times.
According to British media, the Premier League champions and Champions League winners, Manchester City, are accelerating their pursuit of Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol, who is expected to be a significant competitor for Nathan Aké. RB Leipzig is reportedly demanding a fee of €100 million plus bonuses, which would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender ever, surpassing the €87 million Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire.
Despite being just 21 years old, Gvardiol is already regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. He has been a key figure for both Croatia and Leipzig. The Bundesliga club acquired him from Dinamo Zagreb two years ago for €18 million, and now seems set to receive a much higher sum. "Josko and his advisors have informed us that he wants to join Manchester City," confirmed sporting director Max Eberl in the Leipziger-Volkszeitung.
The arrival of Gvardiol casts doubt on the future of Aymeric Laporte at the Etihad Stadium, according to The Times. Manager Pep Guardiola already has options in central defense with Manuel Akanji, Aké, John Stones, and Rúben Dias. Gvardiol will have one compatriot at The Citizens, as Mateo Kovacic joined from Chelsea earlier this summer.
