RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol is on Arsenal’s radar, while Manchester City are also interested in the Croatian international.
According to Media Foot, Arsenal could target Josko Gvardiol as a potential defensive signing, with Manchester City also interested in the RB Leipzig star. The Gunners have been on the market for a player of a similar profile, but Pep Guardiola’s side could pose problems in their pursuit.
Arsenal have been quiet in the transfer window since signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. The north Londoners had priorities in this market, and one of them involved bringing in a left-sided central defender. There have been several targets, but only a few fit well with Mikel Arteta’s requirements.
Lisandro Martinez was Arteta’s top target, but a growing transfer battle with Manchester United proved fruitless for Arsenal. The Gunners have since cooled their interest in the Argentine, while the Red Devils are likely to close the deal after agreeing terms with the Ajax defender.
One notable thing about Martinez that appealed to Arsenal is his ability to play on the left side of the central defence and operate at left-back. Arteta wanted the player to provide cover in both positions and particularly challenge Kieran Tierney in the full-back role, given that the Scotsman’s injury record isn’t all that great.
Josko Gvardiol has emerged as an alternative defensive target for Arsenal. While the French outlet’s report insists the Croatian could be a potential replacement for William Saliba, the RB Leipzig man’s profile fits more in the Martinez mould. Gvardiol can play in the two positions Arteta earmarked for his new defensive signing and could provide competition to Gabriel Magalhaes and Tierney.
RB Leipzig only acquired him for €20 million a season ago, and his performances have warranted a transfer to a bigger team. Manchester City are also keen on Gvardiol, as the Premier League champions enter the market for a new defender. Nathan Ake is about to join Chelsea, and manager Pep Guardiola will likely want a replacement before the season begins, with Gvardiol emerging as one of his targets.
Manchester City could be an attractive destination for any player, particularly due to the chance to play under Guardiola. However, Arsenal’s project is promising as Arteta continues to build a young team, hoping to challenge for honours.
A move to either club could prove worthwhile for Gvardiol, who might find it hard to turn down the advances of Premier League clubs. The big question would be how much would Leipzig demand for the 20-year-old defender, having already invested considerably last summer in acquiring him.
