LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Real Madrid have identified Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol as a leading target for their summer defensive rebuild.
The Spanish giants are reportedly considering the Croatian international as one of the most realistic options on their shortlist as they look to strengthen their backline ahead of the new season.
Gvardiol, who joined Manchester City from RB Leipzig in 2023, has established himself as a key part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, operating both at centre-back and left-back.
Madrid had also monitored Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori and Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, but both clubs are reluctant to sanction the sale of key players as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
That stance has pushed Real Madrid to shift focus toward Gvardiol, whose ability to play out from the back, recover defensively and operate under pressure has made him highly rated within the club’s recruitment plans.
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Reports suggest Madrid view the 24-year-old as one of the most attainable elite defenders in the current market, although no official bid has been made.
Manchester City, however, are keen to retain the Croatian and are believed to be working on a long-term contract extension to secure his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Gvardiol remains an important part of Guardiola’s defensive setup, having featured regularly since his arrival in England.
For Real Madrid, the pursuit forms part of a wider squad rebuild as they look to reinforce defensive depth ahead of the new season.
