Paris Saint-Germain suffer blow in race for Josko Gvardiol

Paris Saint-Germain have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Josko Gvardiol, according to Media Foot.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 champions are trying to close an instalment-based deal with RB Leipzig but the German outfit want to receive the full transfer fee for Gvardiol up front.

Les Parisiens are working towards acquiring the services of a new centre-back having pursued Milan Skriniar to no avail last summer. With the Slovakian set to renew his deal with Inter Milan, PSG have started looking elsewhere.

Off the back of an excellent World Cup campaign with Croatia where he played every minute en route to his country’s third-place finish, Gvardiol has caught the eye of several top European teams, including Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Chelsea are also keen on a move and have already had a bid rejected, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, although the Blues will continue their quest to land the highly in-demand defender.

Despite all the interest in Gvardiol, his agent Marjan Sisic recently claimed that there is no agreement with any club for his client, who is in no hurry to leave Leipzig yet.

“Regarding a possible transfer in summer 2023, we are not in a hurry and I can make clear that there are no pre-agreements with any clubs,” Sisic told Sky Sports Germany.

“For sure, a lot of top clubs have informed about him but Josko has a long-term contract in Leipzig.

“Josko feels totally happy in Leipzig – His development is amazing and RB is playing very good under Marco Rose.”

Fresh from his exploits in Qatar, Gvardiol is currently taking a breather. Barring any remarkable twist surrounding his future, the 20-year-old is not expected to be back in action until January 20 when Leipzig play host to Bayern Munich.