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Josko Gvardiol eager to seal Man City transfer as RB Leipzig reveal talks over record-breaking deal.
The sports director of RB Leipzig has revealed Josko Gvardiol’s desire to sign with Manchester City this summer.
The signing of Croatian defender Joko Gvardiol by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team appears to be getting closer.
According to reports, the 21-year-old defender has already reached a personal agreement with the triple winners, but RB Leipzig has now revealed that they are in transfer negotiations with City.
On Sunday, RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl told German outlet LVZ: “I can confirm that Joško Gvardiol and agents told us about their desire to move to Manchester City. We are in talks with Manchester. That’s all there is to say at the moment.”
Leipzig is said to be holding out for a bid of at least €100 million, which would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history.
City are looking to strengthen their defense after signing midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for £25 million. With Aymeric Laporte set to leave and City still trying to persuade Kyle Walker to stay, Gvardiol is seen as the ideal signing.
Gvardiol’s contract with Leipzig includes a £97 million release clause that becomes active in 2024, but City want to sign him now.
Guardiola has always admired the young centre-back, notably his ability to win duels and play on the ball.
The City manager prefers to sign Gvardiol over a full-back because he intends to deploy a four-centre-back formation again next season.