Sources: Pep Guardiola tells Man City to sign Josko Gvardiol as new release clause revealed
Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Josko Gvardiol and is urging Man City to sign him this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Premier League rivals Chelsea and Spanish giants Real Madrid are also interested in Gvardiol.
The 21-year-old’s current contract runs until 2027 after signing an extension in September 2022.
As relayed by The Times earlier this month (2 March), the RB Leipzig defender has a £97million release clause that will come into effect from 2024.
As a result, interested clubs will need to act quickly to sign the centre-back this summer to avoid paying a hefty fee.
The Croatia international has been on Chelsea’s radar since he was 17 but is now of interest to Man City and Guardiola is keen to bring him to the Etihad. .
On 26 March, Football Insider revealed that Liverpool are also keen on Gvardiol and are in the running to sign him this summer along with Man United.
The Croatian defender has previously spoken of his desire to play in the Premier League after growing up watching games with his father, who is a Liverpool fan.
Man City already have fierce competition at the back, with Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, John Stones, Aymeric Laporte and Manuel Akanji all battling for a spot in the starting XI every week.
Chelsea are also spoilt for choice at the back and recently added Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Kalidou Koulibaly to an already impressive list of defenders that includes Thiago Silva.
But both clubs are willing to add another big name to their roster and are preparing to battle it out for Gvardiol’s signature in the summer.
In other news, Man City captain has his heart set on joining Barcelona.