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Man City to complete record-breaking deal for new defender

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Winning the treble hasn’t kept the Citizens from improving their squad ahead of the next season.

Manchester City are reportedly on the verge of completing a move for Josko Gvardiol.

The RB Leipzig centre-back has been linked with a transfer to Etihad since last season. The Citizens were not able to complete the transfer in January, but they seem close to adding Gvardiol to their ranks this summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, City and Leipzig are discussing the “final details” of Gvardiol’s deal. The Sky Sports journalist expects the transfer to be completed by the end of the week.

The reported €90m fee will make Gvardiol the most expensive centre-back in football history. Harry Maguire currently holds the record for his €87m move from Leicester City to Manchester United in 2019.

A transfer from Dinamo Zagreb to Leipzig in 2021 saw Gvardiol quickly establish himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Bundesliga.

Last season, the 21-year-old made 30 league appearances for Die Roten Bullen as they finished third in the German top flight. He was also one of Croatia’s best players during their impressive run in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The arrival of Gvardiol further increases the likelihood of Aymeric Laporte’s exit ahead of the next season. Juventus have emerged as the 29-year-old’s main suitors, with City demanding €30m for his sale.

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