Fabrizio Romano confirms Manchester City’s interest in 21-year-old who is set to become most expensive defender in football history

Premier League giants Manchester City are reportedly keen on signing Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig this summer.

Gvardiol has emerged as one of Europe's hottest centre-back prospects in recent years following his impeccable performances for both club and country.

The 21-year-old has been a rock at the heart of RB Leipzig's defense that conceded only 41 league goals during the 2022-23 Bundesliga campaign. Gvardiol also grabbed headlines for his performances with Croatia during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

2022-23 treble winners Manchester City are keen on signing the left-footed centre-back. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Pep Guardiola's side have already held talks with the player, who is keen on making the switch to the Etihad.

Fabrizio Romano

@FabrizioRomano

Manchester City consider Josko Gvardiol a top target as Mateo Kovacic — he’s in the list since last year, talks already took place. Player, keen on the move. #MCFC

Leipzig will only sell Gvardiol for huge fee as most expensive centre back ever.

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Manchester City consider Josko Gvardiol a top target as Mateo Kovacic — he’s in the list since last year, talks already took place. Player, keen on the move. 🚨🔵 #MCFC

Leipzig will only sell Gvardiol for huge fee as most expensive centre back ever.

🎥 shorturl.at/iCOX7 https://t.co/I7E4B3KKTu

However, the Cityzens will have to meet RB Leipzig's valuation of the defender, whom they are determined to sell for a world-record transfer fee. The Croatian defender signed for Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2020 for a transfer fee in the region of €18.8 million.

Following a handful of impressive displays for RB Leipzig, Gvardiol has seen his value skyrocket. He is now reportedly poised to become the world's most-expensive centre-back in history amid transfer interest from Manchester City.

Gvardiol made 41 appearances for RB Leipzig during the recently concluded 2022-23 season. He scored three goals and helped his team record 14 clean-sheets in those matches.

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What are Josko Gvardiol's chances of starting at Manchester City?

Amid reports linking Gvardiol with a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, here's a look at his chances of getting regular minutes at City.

The Cityzens already possess a stacked squad with some of the best defenders in their team. As such, the likely addition of Gvardiol could provide a serious selection headache for Pep Guardiola.

The Croatian defender will have to contend with the likes of Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte, Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones for a place in Manchester City's defense.

Pulse Sports Nigeria

@PulseSportsNG

Manchester City's defense if they complete the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig:

Ruben Dias
Aymeric Laporte
Manuel Akanji
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 John Stones
Nathan Ake
Josko Gvardiol*

Pep Guardiola doesn't plan on slowing down after winning the treble

#PulseSports

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🔵 Manchester City's defense if they complete the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig:

🇵🇹 Ruben Dias
🇪🇸 Aymeric Laporte
🇨🇭 Manuel Akanji
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 John Stones
🇳🇱 Nathan Ake
🇭🇷 Josko Gvardiol*

Pep Guardiola doesn't plan on slowing down after winning the treble 😤

#PulseSports https://t.co/RO9cBqJ4pY

Gvardiol usually operates as a left-sided centre-back, a position that is usually occupied by either Ake or Laporte.

However, Gvardiol's versatility could be a huge asset for Guardiola in terms of how he uses the Croatian. The 21-year-old can also operate as a left-back should he fail to nail a spot in central defense.

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