Manchester City have submitted an improved offer to RB Leipzig for their star defender, Josko Gvardiol. The Premier League champions are understood to have offered a base fee of €90 million, plus additional bonuses, for the Croatian international.
According to Sky Germany, Guardiola has identified Gvardiol as his dream signing as part of a miniature rebuild at the Etihad Stadium.
The negotiations over the transfer fee have been ongoing in recent days. Leipzig had previously insisted on the value of his £95 million release clause, which takes effect in 2024. The improved offer on the table is a clear indication of City’s determination to land their top target.
If the deal goes through, Gvardiol would become the most expensive defender in the world, surpassing the £80 million that Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019. The potential transfer also highlights the financial muscle of the Premier League champions, who are willing to invest heavily to ensure they remain competitive on all fronts.
Meanwhile, RB Leipzig have reportedly identified Castello Lukeba of Olympique Lyon as a potential replacement for Gvardiol. The 20-year-old French defender could be available for a fee in the region of €30 million.
As always, we will keep you updated with the latest developments in this intriguing transfer story.
