According to rumours, RB Leipzig has informed Manchester City that they are out of time in their pursuit of Josko Gvardiol.
Pep Guardiola wants to sign the central defender to bolster his defence, but a £77 million ($99 million) offer was turned down earlier this summer because the Bundesliga club demanded at least £86 million ($109.95 million). The Manchester Evening News reports that Leipzig has now given City a deadline to complete the transfer so that it may be done before their August 12 German Super Cup match against Bayern Munich.
Leipzig wants to sign a replacement before the transfer window closes on September 1 and is eager to complete the transaction by the deadline. In the event that Gvardiol leaves, it has been said that the club has already chosen Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geeryruida as a replacement and is prepared to pay the €40m (£34.30/$43.84) required by the Dutch team.
Leipzig continues to be optimistic that they can come to an agreement with Man City on the signing of Gvardiol, but they are keeping an eye on Lyon defender Castello Lukeba as a backup. Despite selling Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool for a record £60 million ($76 million), it is thought that they still want additional funding to balance their books.
Gvardiol and the rest of the Leipzig team are presently practising in Italy in preparation for the 2023–24 season. On August 5, he will play in their final pre-season friendly against Las Palmas.
