Pep Guardiola delivers significant update on Manchester City’s transfer plans following Josko Gvardiol capture

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola discussed the impending arrival of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol ahead of the FA Community Shield against Arsenal on Sunday.

The European champions finish their preparations for the new season with as big a test as they come domestically as they take on last season’s title rivals on Wembley after claiming their third Premier League title on the trot in May.

Guardiola has added Mateo Kovacic to his ranks after a £30 million transfer from Chelsea and confirmed that Josko Gvardiol is undergoing a medical after City reached a £78 million agreement with RB Leipzig for the 21-year-old defender this week.

Speaking on his upcoming signing in a press conference on Friday afternoon, the Catalan said: “What a beautiful surname he has! Regarding (Josko) Gvardiol, he is doing a medical test and everyone knows he is here (at Manchester City). Hopefully, we can finish the deal in the next few days.”

Having already bid farewell to Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez in the transfer window, Gvardiol’s arrival is expected to pave the way for Aymeric Laporte to seal a desired exit after falling down the pecking order in defence last season.

However, Guardiola remains open to keeping hold of the 29-year-old Spain international, which would equip Manchester City with arguably the strongest backline in world football. Asked if six central defenders are too many to have in his first-team squad for next season, Guardiola said: “The season is so long. Six is not too much, no.”

Manchester City have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Rennes’ Jeremy Doku as they look to replace Mahrez, who joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli for a deal worth up to £30 million last week.

Encouragingly, Guardiola confirmed that City are looking to make a few more additions to their squad after they announce the signing of Gvardiol in the coming days. “I don’t know if we are finished in the transfer market, still some more I think,” he added, as it remains to be seen if City strengthen their interest in the likes of Olise and Doku or look elsewhere.

City Xtra reported last month that Manchester City had ruled out moves for Barcelona’s Raphinha and RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo to replace Mahrez, with the club still believed to be unsure on what they are looking for in the ideal wide attacker to come in.