Manchester City have made an improved offer to secure the services of RB Leipzig’s defensive sensation Josko Gvardiol.
The new bid amounts to €90 million with an additional €10m in add-ons, according to Sport Bild,
However, Leipzig are playing it cool and holding out for more realistic add-ons to complement the base sum.
Negotiations are delicately poised, but insiders suggest a breakthrough agreement between the two clubs is close.
The 21-year-old has captured the attention of Europe’s elite clubs and it is no surprise that Leipzig are in no hurry to relinquish their prized asset.
Leipzig are in a comfortable financial position thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s earlier transfer to Liverpool.
With Gvardiol’s release clause set at a staggering €112m, applicable from 2024, Leipzig can afford to wait for the perfect opportunity to maximise their returns.
While the clock ticks towards the transfer deadline, Leipzig’s top brass seek clarity on Gvardiol’s future to execute their contingency plan effectively.
They plan to sign Lyon’s Castello Lukeba to replace Gvardiol but have baulked at the French club’s €30m price tag.
This impasse adds another layer of complexity to Leipzig’s decision-making process.
Leipzig’s acquisition of defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu has bolstered their defensive ranks and potentially softens the blow if Gvardiol departs.
Despite starting their transfer window sluggishly, Die Roten Bullen have clicked into full gear by signing Bitshiabu, Lois Openda, Fabio Carvalho and Xavi Simons.
If they sell Gvardiol, they will be in the market for another centre-back as they look to wrap up their transfer dealings.
