Man City to complete record-breaking move for Guardiola’s ‘dream’ buy; Arsenal, Tottenham could sign player he’ll replace

Man City are ‘set to sign’ Josko Gvardiol who’ll become the world’s most expensive defender, while Arsenal and Tottenham have been linked with signing the player he’ll replace, per reports.

Gvardiol, 21, is already among the world’s leading centre-halves despite his tender age. The Croatia colossus plies his trade in Germany with RB Leipzig, though his next stop appears to be the Etihad.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano revealed Man City had struck an agreement on personal terms with the left-footed Gvardiol back on June 24.

Sky Germany then revealed City had thundered in with a sizeable bid worth €90m (approx. £77m). However, Leipzig rejected the offer in the hopes of holding out for €100m (approx. £86m).

According to a fresh update from the Telegraph, Leipzig’s patience has been rewarded.

Indeed, the newspaper state Man City are ‘set to sign’ Gvardiol for £86m. Such a move will make Gvardiol the most expensive defender of all time and surpass the £80m Man Utd paid Leicester to sign Harry Maguire in 2019.

The report added City are ‘on the brink’ of completing their coup, while Sky Germany labelled Gvardiol Guardiola’s ‘absolute dream player’.

Adding further fuel to the fire are comments made by Leipzig’s sporting director, Max Eberl.

“Gvardiol and his agents gave us their desire to move to Manchester City,” said Eberl. “We are in talks with City.

“Yes, for €100m plus bonuses, Gvardiol will end up in Pep’s strong hands.

“The value of the deal would make Gvardiol the most expensive defender in history. But it might take a few more days.”

City’s treble-winning side thus appears like it’ll become even stronger at some stage this week. However, the player he’s likely to replace might not have far to travel to find his next club.

Gvardiol in, Laporte out… to Arsenal or Spurs?

Indeed, 29-year-old Aymeric Laporte is believed to be up for sale this summer. The pursuit of Gvardiol is one factor why, though the fact Laporte lost his place as a regular starter to Nathan Ake last season is also relevant.

The Daily Mail reported City would ‘not stand in his way’ if an exit took shape this summer. On that front, 90min claimed Laporte was in Tottenham’s crosshairs, with Ange Postecoglou expected to sign two new centre-halves this summer.

Elsewhere, Mundo Deportivo brought news of Arsenal showing interest in Laporte on Sunday. The Gunners have found great success when buying from Man City in recent times, most notably with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus.

A concrete valuation of Laporte is yet to emerge in the media. However, online outlet Transfermarkt value the Spain international at approximately £21.5m.

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