Arsenal join Manchester City in race for Josko Gvardiol

RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol is the centre-back that Arsenal are reportedly looking at to bolster their defensive options.

According to multiple reports emanating from Croatia, Arsenal have joined Manchester City in race for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol.

The Croatia international was signed by Leipzig in July 2021 from Dinamo Zagreb for a fee of 18.8 million euros. He has a contract until 2026 with the club.

The centre-back has banged in 2 goals and provided 3 assists in 35 matches this term on all fronts.

The 20-year-old has been touted as one of the brightest young prospects in Croatia. Josko Gvardiol has represented Croatia at Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 level, winning 19 caps and scoring two goals, before making his senior international debut in June 2021. As a member of Croatia national football team, Gvardiol won 9 caps and he scored one goal.

His performances have seen him become the target of many European clubs including Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta wants to sign a new centre-back and Gvardiol is one of the names at the top of his wishlist. He is a known admirer of the player and is reportedly keen on the idea of bringing him this summer.

The Gunners are in the market for just a handful of statement signings who can improve the first-team.

The former Dinamo Zagreb man is often quick to scan the danger and is not shy of getting stuck in with some well-timed tackles to help secure possession back for his side.

According to the report, “Arsenal have joined the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, although the report that claims so also warns that he could cost as much as Harry Maguire or Virgil van Dijk. Gvardiol rejected the chance to move to the Premier League with Leeds United upon their return to the top flight. He instead favoured the pathway presented to him by RB Leipzig. His decision to choose them as his next club after Dinamo Zagreb seems to be paying off. Still only 20 years old, Gvardiol is quickly making a name for himself. He may end up with the chance to become a Premier League player after all – at a higher level than he would have with relegation-threatened Leeds. Reports have recently linked him with Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur. Now, Croatian outlet Index have revealed that he is on the radar of Arsenal as well. It could be important for Arsenal to strengthen in defence. Their main partnership this season has been the effective duo of Benjamin White and Gabriel Magalhaes. Their only alternative, though, while Pablo Mari is out on loan, is Rob Holding. But according to Index, Gvardiol could end up costing as much as Harry Maguire did for Manchester United, Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool, or Matthijs De Ligt for Juventus. The fees for all three broke the benchmark of €80m (£67.2m). It remains to be seen when Gvardiol will be worth that amount. But Index do not feel it will be too far off. They estimate he could reach that level within 18 months.”

Euro Football Rumours

Arsenal might have to pay over the odds to sign the centre-back.

The German club would be wise to keep the Croatia international, but if they do let him go expect it to be for a hefty sum.

Good signing for Arsenal?

Signing the 20-year-old in the summer transfer window would be a masterstroke from Arteta.

Stylistically, he would be a great fit in Arsenal.

It will be interesting to see if Arsenal are willing to pay the asking price for Gvardiol.

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Will Josko Gvardiol end up at Arsenal this summer?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.