The summer transfer window isn’t open yet in Europe, but teams are getting ready for it, and there’s plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Leipzig eye transfer fee record from Man City for Gvardiol
Manchester City are considering a deal to sign Josko Gvardiol for a record fee this summer, reports Fabrizio Romano and talkSport.
Gvardiol joined RB Leipzig in 2020, and now the German club will reportedly not part ways with him for less than £75 million, with some sources reporting the club expect a new record fee for a centre-back. The previous record was set when Manchester United paid around £80m to sign Harry Maguire in 2019.
The 21-year-old Croatia international is reportedly a top transfer target of manager Pep Guardiola and has been on Guardiola’s list since last year. Man City, the newly minted treble winners, have already held talks with Gvardiol.
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Guardiola is also reportedly interested in Gvardiol’s Croatian teammate, midfielder Mateo Kovacic. Chelsea are open to parting ways with Kovacic, who has been at Stamford Bridge since 2019, and Man City have reportedly already been in touch with the Blues about a deal for Kovacic.
Kovacic has been a key player for the Blues, amassing 221 appearances in all competitions, but with his contract due to expire in 2024 and new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino looking at a squad rebuild, Chelsea may be keen to move him on.
Gvardiol has made 41 appearances for Leipzig this season, and scored three goals, including a pivotal equaliser in a 1-1 draw in the Champions League match earlier this year.