RB Leipzig Star Heads Up List Of Possible Manchester City Centre-Back Targets

RB Leipzig defender Joško Gvardiol tops Manchester City's list of possible centre-back targets, according to a new report.

City, who have already strengthened in attack, midfielder and goalkeeping positions this summer, could be forced into entering the transfer market for a new defender, as Chelsea continue their pursuit of Nathan Ake.

The Dutch defender has made 40 appearances since signing from Bournemouth for £41 million in 2020, and is one of two City stars being targeted by Premier League rivals Chelsea, as new owner Todd Boehly aims to strengthen Thomas Tuchel's squad.

Guardiola's side are still expected to try and sign a left-back during the remainder of the summer transfer window, with Brighton full-back Marc Cucurella mooted to be the Sky Blues' top target.

However, a left-sided central defender would also be on agenda should Ake return to Stamford Bridge - the club where the 27 year-old began his English footballing career.

The Dutchman is reported to have agreed personal terms with the West London side, although talks between the two clubs are continuing regarding a transfer fee.

It was also recently claimed that the Premier League Champions wouldn’t sanction the sale without a suitable replacement, with Guardiola seemingly reluctant to enter such a busy and hectic campaign with only three senior centre-backs.

The Daily Mail report that RB Leipzig centre-back Joško Gvardiol tops Man City's list of possible targets, should Ake switch Sky Blue for Royal Blue this summer.

Gvardiol, who made 45 appearances for Leipzig across all competitions last season, was one of the Bundesliga sides stand-out performers, as they beat Union Berlin to a top four finish in Germany.

Although, SportsMail write that the 20 year-old is on the verge of agreeing a new deal with RB Leipzig, and that any move for the Croatian defender would likely prove too expensive for City this summer.

It remains unknown whether Nathan Ake will be with Man City's squad for an upcoming pre-season tour of the US, with Guardiola's squad are set to travel stateside on Saturday 16th July for friendlies against Club America and Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is already on the verge of completing his move to Stamford Bridge, penning a five-year contract in a reported £50 million deal.

Sterling is the latest player to depart the Etihad Stadium this summer, with Fernandinho having returned to Brazil and Gabriel Jesus completing a £45 million move to Arsenal.

Man City begin their Premier League title defence away to West Ham at the London Stadium next month, with a host of new faces within Guardiola's first-team squad; namely Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez and Kalvin Phillips.