Manchester City close to signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol for record fee

Manchester City are reportedly edging closer to securing the signature of highly-rated defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano confirms via Twitter that Manchester City have now reached a comprehensive agreement with Leipzig for the defender's transfer. Gvardiol has already completed the first part of his medical, and his move to the Etihad Stadium is on the verge of being finalized.

Personal terms have also been settled between Manchester City and Gvardiol, potentially making him the most expensive defender in the world. His transfer fee could surpass the £80 million spent by Manchester United on Harry Maguire in 2019.

The negotiations were far from straightforward, with Leipzig initially rejecting City's opening bid of €75 million (£64.1m) with potential add-ons. Unyielding, the German club insisted on their valuation of €100 million (£85.4m) for the young talent. However, after persistent efforts from Pep Guardiola's side, both clubs have now reached a full agreement on the transfer.

Having recently signed fellow Croatia international Mateo Kovacic, Guardiola sees Gvardiol as the ideal addition to bolster Manchester City's backline. The Croatian defender's medical examination commenced last Wednesday and is expected to be finalized soon, bringing him to the Etihad Stadium.

Gvardiol's versatility has been a key factor in Guardiola's interest, as he can play both as a left-footed centre-back and at left-back. His exceptional performances for Leipzig and Croatia have made him one of the brightest defensive prospects in the world.

Leipzig's sporting director, Max Eberl, confirmed Gvardiol's eagerness to join Manchester City, which eventually led to successful negotiations between the clubs.

The 21-year-old featured prominently for Leipzig during the 2022-23 season, making 41 appearances across various competitions. His standout moment against Manchester City in the Champions League last-16 tie, where he scored a header, showcased his abilities even against top opposition.

If the transfer goes through as anticipated, Gvardiol will become the third Leipzig star to make the move from the Bundesliga to the Premier League this summer, following Christopher Nkunku and Dominik Szoboszlai's respective moves to Chelsea and Liverpool.

With the imminent arrival of Josko Gvardiol, Manchester City's defence looks poised to receive a significant boost, further enhancing their chances of success in both domestic and international competitions.