Manchester City Want To Finalise Josko Gvardiol Deal Before Sunday’s Community Shield vs Arsenal

Treble winners Manchester City are reportedly looking to complete a move for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol before facing off against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday afternoon.

Manchester City are reportedly trying to finalise the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig before this Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal at Wembley.

City have been tracking the Croatian for several months, but have had a breakthrough in negotiations over the last day or so and are encouraged that an agreement will be struck in the coming days.

The Daily Mail report that Pep Guardiola’s side won’t have to match the Bundesliga side’s reported £86million valuation, and will be able to secure his signature with a lower bid.

Man City want to complete Josko Gvardiol deal before Community Shield clash against Arsenal this weekend https://t.co/E0WpwJPfhL

— Mail Sport (@MailSport) August 1, 2023

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Gvardiol is one of the most highly-regarded central defensive talents in Europe, and was a key figure in Croatia’s third place finish at the World Cup in Qatar.

The 21-year-old has been Guardiola’s number one defensive target throughout the window, and now after a breakthrough in negotiations – he looks to be one step closer to securing his man.

City have only completed one signing so far this summer – Gvardiol’s international teammate Mateo Kovacic, who joined from Chelsea for £25million.

Earlier in the week, Kovacic insisted that Gvardiol has great potential and is ready to make the Premier League switch.

“Josko has great potential,” Kovacic said.

“He can come here and learn and be the best version of himself. I’d obviously like it — I’m a good friend with him and he’s Croatian. It would be nice to have a Croatian by my side here.

“He’s already played a lot of big games. He is ready for this step.” he continued.

“I think it’s a good time (to join City). They are on a great run, a very confident team and a team you can learn from. They have possibly the best manager in history. So I came here to join a great group and to try to learn.

“He’s still young but he’s mature. He doesn’t need much advice. He had a great World Cup and a great season with Leipzig.”

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