Manchester City are reportedly looking to battle Chelsea for the signing of Josko Gvardiol this summer.
The Premier League champions might need to bolster their defence amid reports that Aymeric Laporte is keen on a move to Barcelona.
Gvardiol is already regarded as one of the best centre-backs in the world
According to Sport, City have identified Gvardiol as the ideal replacement should Laporte make the move to the Nou Camp.
Despite the Spanish giants being in financial trouble, Xavi has made signing a left-sided centre-back a priority while Laporte has had to contend for a starting spot with Nathan Ake this season.
The former Athletic Bilbao star has made just 15 appearances this season through injuries and form and wants to play somewhere he is more assured of first-team minutes.
And Pep Guardiola has always maintained that if a player is unhappy, they can leave if they want – as exemplified by Joao Cancelo in January with his move to Bayern Munich.
A return to Spain appeals to Laporte having spent five years in the Premier League while he swapped allegiances to the country from France in 2021.
Losing Laporte would be a huge blow to Guardiola, after becoming a major part of a side that has won four Premier League titles.
Laporte has won nine trophies during his stint at the Etihad
Gvardiol is a target for several clubs after impressing for Croatia at the World CupBut City are in no mood to weaken their squad and have identified Gvardiol as the perfect man to fill Laporte’s boots should he depart.
Chelsea have long been linked with the RB Leipzig star and had a bid rejected last summer while they retain an interest ahead of the next transfer window.
And a battle for his signature could be in the offing, though there could even be interest in the defender from further afield.
Gvardiol has been remarked as one of the best up and coming centre-backs in the sport after a sensational World Cup campaign with Croatia.
Gvardiol scored vs City in the Champions League
His performances for RB Leipzig have been electric, as well, while City got an up-close look at the 21-year-old in the Champions League last month.
It was his equaliser that earned the Bundesliga side a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their European clash against City while he kept Erling Haaland largely quiet.
How much RB Leipzig would want for Gvardiol remains to be seen as interest continues to grow in the youngster.
