Manchester City handed significant transfer boost as Bundesliga star informs club of wish to complete Premier League switch

Josko Gvardiol has informed RB Leipzig of his wish to leave the club for Manchester City, boosting the Blues’ hopes of signing the 21 year-old defender.

The versatile centre-back is one of two Croatian’s heavily linked with joining Manchester City this summer, as Pep Guardiola looks to strengthen his treble-winning squad amid the exit of Ilkay Gundogan and potentially several other big name stars.

Gundogan will join Barcelona on a free transfer following the expiration of his Manchester City contract at the end of the month, while Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez all face an uncertain future at the Etihad Stadium.

Gvardiol is considered as a replacement for Laporte, who is expected to leave City this summer in search of more regular minutes, having started just 20 games last season – 23 less than the previous campaign.

The Croatian international impressed at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and throughout the 2022/23 campaign, most notably in the Champions League, where the defender scored twice and played exceptionally, including against Manchester City.

The 21 year-old featured in 41 matches for RB Leipzig last season and has a €110 million release clause which becomes active in 2024.

Despite having a release clause which becomes active next year, Manchester City are hopeful of signing the defender this summer, having already agreed personal terms with the Croatian, according to Fabrizio Romano.

In a further boost to the Premier League champions’ pursuit of the centre-back, the 21 year-old has reportedly informed RB Leipzig of his wish to leave to join Manchester City.

Charlie Wyett claims that the Bundesliga club have been informed of the player’s desire to move to the Etihad Stadium, with City readying a £68 million bid for the highly-rated defender.

However, RB Leipzig are reportedly set to hold out for a deal worth £85 million, wanting £78 million plus bonuses to allow the 21 year-old to swap Germany for England.

Gvardiol moved to the Bundesliga for £14 million and could be one of two major signings by Manchester City this summer, as the Sky Blues contemplate a potential bid for West Ham captain Declan Rice.

City are also set to confirm the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea for an initial £25 million.