EPL: Manchester City given deadline for Gvardiol by RB Leipzig
RB Leipzig have reportedly told Manchester City that they only have a few weeks left if they are to sign Josko Gvardiol.
The treble winners have made the Croatian defender their top target for the remainder of the summer transfer window but are yet to reach an agreement with the Bundesliga side over his signature.
It’s been gathered that RB Leipzig are reportedly looking to find a resolution on one of the summer’s longest-running transfer sagas ahead of their new season, with Manchester City continuing to be hard in their negotiation position over a transfer fee and the possible bonuses of an agreement.
With Gvardiol having a contract with the German club which runs till 2027, Leipzig are under no pressure to sell, but they would require a replacement if a deal is eventually reached.
Daily Mail reported that RB Leipzig have warned Manchester City that they want an answer on their pursuit of Josko Gvardiol by the time they begin their season with the Super Cup against Bayern Munich scheduled for August 12.
There is still confidence that an agreement can be reached between Leipzig and City, and there is an appreciation Leipzig still needs to raise funds to balance their books. Gvardiol is understood to be relaxed amid the uncertainty over his future.
Gvardiol has made a total of 87 appearances during his time at Leipzig, helping the club to two DFB-Pokal trophies since 2021. He is currently in Italy with the rest of the Leipzig squad where they are training ahead of the 2023-24 season. It is expected that he will be in action against Las Palmas in their last pre-season friendly on August 5.
Some news platforms have reported that Leipzig are monitoring Lyon defender Castello Lukeba as a possible replacement for Gvardiol, should the deal with Manchester City be concluded.
