Josko Gvardiol transfer talk intensifies as private jet booked for Leipzig to Manchester route

Talk of an imminent deal for Josko Gvardiol has intensified on Monday evening, after some supporters on social media noticed a private jet booked from Leipzig.

It has been two weeks since talk of an agreement between Manchester City and RB Leipzig was first reported in some corners of the media, but with no further developments on the situation, some supporters have grown concerned.

Officials from the Bundesliga side moved quick to deny suggestions of any such agreement, stating that nothing was imminent, whilst a briefing from the Premier League champions followed a similar line.

With Manchester City now back from their pre-season jaunt in Far East Asia, and their first competitive fixture right around the corner, questions have been raised as to whether Gvardiol will be signed for the club in time for the start of the Premier League season.

In what some are believing is a step in the right direction, supporters on social media have spotted via a flight tracking website that a private jet is now scheduled to travel from Leipzig to Manchester on Tuesday morning.

As per FlightRadar24, a Cessna 560XL Citation XLS+ is scheduled to make the trip from Leipzig to Manchester at 10:50AM local time, with a scheduled arrival in the north-west of England just after midday.

The aircraft – operated by private jet brand Air Hamburg – will begin it’s journeys on Tuesday at Girona, then travelling to Milan, before moving onwards to Leipzig, and eventually over to Manchester.

At present, there has been no further details as to the nature of the flight, with the route being taken creating plenty of conversation on social media.

The latest understanding on the saga, as per Jack Gaughan of MailSport, is that Josko Gvardiol himself is keen for conversations and negotiations between all parties to be concluded before the new season starts.

Whatever the outcome, Manchester City remain aware that it will take a significant outlay to secure the services of the Croatia international, while any agreement is likely to lead to an exit for Aymeric Laporte later in the transfer window.

Gvardiol’s international teammate and recent City signing Mateo Kovacic has already been outspoken in his desire to see the Leipzig central defender join the home of the reigning European champions.

Speaking earlier this week, Kovacic admitted, “Josko has great potential. He can come to Manchester City 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. 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.”

Manchester City take on their first competitive game of the new season on Sunday afternoon, as they travel to the capital to take on Arsenal in the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.