Manchester City have reportedly agreed a fee to sign defender Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.
Since the start of the summer transfer window, City have been locked in negotiations with the German side in a bid to secure Gvardiol's signature.
However, a deal took longer than expected to materialise as there was a gap in valuation between both clubs.
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Now, a breakthrough has been made as the reigning Premier League champions look to secure the deal ahead of the FA Community Shield clash against Arsenal, which will take place at Wembley on Sunday afternoon.
According to German news outlet BILD, City have agreed a €90 million fixed fee with Leipzig for Gvardiol.
It has been reported that there is an agreement for a friendly to be played between the two clubs, which is expected to bring in an additional €1.5 million for the Bundesliga side.
During City’s pre-season tour in Korea, Gvardiol’s international teammate, Mateo Kovacic, who joined the Blues this summer said: “Of course I’d like him (Gvardiol) to join. I know he’s very young and has great potential. He can come here and learn and be the best version of himself, like he wants to be for sure.
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“It’s not for me to comment if it’s going to happen or not. I’d obviously like it – I’m good friends with him and he’s Croatian. It would be nice to have a Croatian by my side here.”
He added: “Josko is still young but he’s very mature for his age. He doesn’t need too much advice. He’s already played a lot of big games and I think he’s ready for this step.
“He had a great World Cup and a great season with RB Leipzig, so it would be nice for him to join such a big club and try to improve even more. I think it’s a good time (to join City).”
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City will begin the defence of their Premier League crown against newly promoted Burnley on 11 August.
Featured Image Credit: Getty/Twitter@TransfersTopics: Manchester City, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Josko Gvardiol, Football, RB Leipzig
