Real Madrid have reportedly prepared a €100 million bid to sign Croatian and Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol as the Spanish giants intensify efforts to strengthen their defence ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid have tracked the Man City centre-back since his standout performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez reportedly sees the former RB Leipzig defender as the ideal long-term leader of the club’s back line.
However, completing any deal could prove difficult given Manchester City’s determination to retain one of manager Pep Guardiola’s most important players.
Reports suggest City are already preparing a long-term contract extension that could keep Gvardiol at the Etihad Stadium until 2033 in an effort to ward off growing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
Despite those obstacles, Madrid’s pursuit remains active, with veteran midfielder Luka Modrić reportedly playing a significant role behind the scenes by encouraging the club to move for his international teammate.
The Madrid hierarchy is believed to view Gvardiol as possessing the technical ability, physical strength and composure required to anchor the defence for the next decade.
The 24-year-old has continued to impress in the Premier League, establishing himself as one of Europe’s elite defenders under intense competitive pressure.
Real Madrid are understood to be aware that signing the Croatian international would require a carefully structured long-term strategy, especially given City’s willingness to improve his financial terms to secure his future.
Nevertheless, the prospect of Gvardiol moving to the Santiago Bernabéu has generated excitement among Madrid supporters eager to see a new defensive leader emerge at the club.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
