Josko Gvardiol competing for Croatia against Japan
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has personally targeted RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol as a replacement for Aymeric Laporte.
The Lowdown: Laporte benched…
Part of life as a player under Guardiola is growing accustomed to his ever-rotating starting eleven, with previously untouchable stars not exempt.
Laporte has played a significant role in City title challenges, most recently usurping John Stones as the main partner to Ruben Dias last season.
The Spaniard has been praised for his performances at Eastlands, having made over 170 appearances for the club whilst playing a hand in 11 major trophies (Transfermarkt).
However, this season Guardiola has largely experimented with City’s back four/back three – chopping and changing with the likes of Manuel Akanji seeing plenty of minutes.
The Latest: Man City eye Gvardiol…
As such, Laporte is now believed to be unhappy with his game time and prepared to leave Manchester.
This is according to Foot Mercato, who also claim City have already identified the 28-year-old’s replacement.
It is believed Guardiola has personally targeted RB Leipzig star Gvardiol as Laporte’s heir with City marking him out as a key transfer target.
City even lodged a £96 million-plus-bonuses ‘offer’ to Leipzig in January but no agreement was reached.
Gvardiol, after this failed attempt, remains a summer ‘priority’ for the Blues.
The Verdict: Get it done?
Called a ‘sensational‘ defender by members of the press, Gvardiol absolutely dazzled for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – further raising his stock as one of football’s most promising young central defenders.
City supporters will remember the 21-year-old for his goal against them in the Champions League recently.
Indeed, Gvardiol buried an equalising header in their last 16 tie against Leipzig with the first leg finishing 1-1.
The Croatian is set to face off against Guardiola’s side at the Etihad this month, a match which may well act as another audition for the player.
Gvardiol may certainly be worth the effort to obtain going by his growing reputation, not to mention Guardiola’s alleged fondness.
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