Man City transfer arrival ‘a matter of time’ as £23m bid lodged for treble-winning star

Manchester City’s pursuit of Josko Gvardiol is ‘still on’ according to reports, with the RB Leipzig defender a prime target for Pep Guardiola.

The European champions have had a slow start to the window, with Mateo Kovacic the only arrival, while Ilkay Gundogan has joined Barcelona on a free transfer. So far, that’s the extent of the club’s transfer business, but more is expected before the window shuts.

ManchesterWorld understand that Gvardiol remains the prime target for City at present and, despite reports surrounding the player dying off in recent weeks, journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted to say negotiations regarding the player have ‘not stopped at all’. Leipzig are demanding €100m (£86m) for the Croat, who agreed personal terms with City last month, the Italian adds.

Meanwhile, reporter Jan Aage Fjortoft claimed on Twitter that it’s a ‘matter of time’ until a transfer to City is confirmed, with ‘the two parties not far from each other in terms of fee’. As per the Daily Mail, talks between City and Leipzig will continue over Tuesday.

As one arrival appears to be drawing closer, another player could be set to depart the Etihad. Riyad Mahrez has drawn interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli and Romano claims the treble winners rejected an offer of £18m plus £5m for the ex-Leicester City winger. He adds that City are asking for a fee of £30m, with Al Ahli ‘increasingly confident’ they will sign Mahrez. Romano wrote in a separate tweet that the attacker’s agents ‘have requested to speak’ to City after discussing details of a move with Al Ahli.

Kyle Walker could also leave City, with reports last week stating he was close to completing a transfer to Bayern Munich. However, Bernardo Silva’s potential departure is looking less likely, and The Athletic report City are ‘intent on keeping’ the Portugal international at the club.