Arsenal join Tottenham, Man City in race for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol amid William Saliba doubt

Arsenal have entered the tussle to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig amid uncertainty over William Saliba’s future in north London, according to a report.

Saliba joined Arsenal in summer 2019 but is yet to make his senior debut for the club after spending the last three seasons out on loan. Last term, he went to Marseille and made 35 appearances in Ligue 1.

The centre-back made a big impression and soon got into the France squad. He has now won five caps for Les Bleus and appears to have a bright future on the international stage.

It is unclear if Saliba will remain at the Emirates for the upcoming season. Mikel Arteta likes him and wants to give him a chance, although Marseille are keen to engineer a permanent deal.

Amid these doubts, and Manchester United closing in on Lisandro Martinez, Arsenal have reportedly got to work on landing a new centre-back.

According to The Boot Room, who cite French outlet Media Foot, the Gunners have set their sights on Leipzig star Gvardiol.

He is just 20 years old but is already a regular in the Croatia national team and a player with Champions League experience.

Last season, Gvardiol played 45 times for Leipzig in all competitions, helping them win the DFB-Pokal trophy for the first time.

Spurs, City face Arsenal competition for Josko Gvardiol

Gvardiol also featured in six Champions League group matches. However, his team couldn’t get out of Group A and subsequently dropped down to the Europa League.

Recent reports have put Tottenham on the Croatian’s trail. Antonio Conte is reportedly a big fan of his.

Manchester City are also eyeing up the defender as a possible replacement for Chelsea-bound Nathan Ake.

Arsenal will rival both clubs for Gvardiol’s signature, making the transfer race even more interesting.

The youngster’s Leipzig contract expires in June 2026, which means they don’t have to sell this summer.

However, Red Bull clubs are known to let their players move on when a big offer comes in. And Leipzig could make a significant profit on Gvardiol after paying around £16.9million for him in July 2021.

Some reports claim he is now worth £80m. Although a more likely valuation sits at £43m.

The latter price is well within the reach of Arsenal, Spurs and City. And with Gvardiol tipped to become one of the best defenders globally, this could end up being a shrewd move.

Gvardiol now has some big choices to make, though he is in an enviable position.

He can opt to remain at Leipzig for a couple more years and continue his development in the Bundesliga.

Or, the 10-cap international can move to England this summer and aim to make a big impact on the Prem.

Meanwhile, Benfica’s president has responded to rumours Alex Grimaldo could leave for Arsenal.