As a finalist in the Champions League and on the brink of another Premier League title, Manchester City is already looking to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. According to the Daily Mail, the Citizens have identified their ‘Plan A’ in case Aymeric Laporte decides to leave the club, and that is Josko Gvardiol.
The 21-year-old defender, currently playing for RB Leipzig, was one of the standout performers in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Gvardiol featured in all seven matches for Croatia, who secured a third-place finish in the tournament, and earned a place in the competition’s Best XI.
Following his impressive World Cup campaign, Manchester City started monitoring the young centre-back towards the end of 2022. However, they face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United, both of whom have also expressed interest in the player.
High transfer valuation the Josko Gvardiol
Acquiring Gvardiol from Germany will not be an easy task. The Daily Mail reports that RB Leipzig is demanding £85 million, approximately £526 million, for the transfer of the defender. According to the English publication, the German club may need to offload some players in the next transfer window to comply with financial fair play regulations.
The pursuit of Gvardiol reflects Manchester City’s ambition to strengthen their defensive line and ensure they have quality options for the future. Laporte’s potential departure would create a need for a replacement, and Gvardiol’s performances have caught the attention of top clubs across Europe.
With substantial transfer fees involved, negotiations are likely to be complex. Manchester City will need to carefully consider their options and evaluate the value Gvardiol can bring to their squad.
As the transfer window approaches, fans eagerly await updates on potential signings and departures at Manchester City, as the club aims to maintain its dominance both domestically and in European competitions.
