Real Madrid have initiated contact with the agent of Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, according to TEAMtalk. The Spanish club are seeking to bolster their central defence ahead of the summer transfer window, with the potential departures of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger creating a need for reinforcements.
Madrid have already seen several targets slip through their grasp, including Marc Guehi, who joined Manchester City, Dayot Upamecano, who extended his contract with Bayern Munich, and Nico Schlotterbeck, who signed a new deal with Borussia Dortmund. This has prompted the club to revisit long-standing interests, with Gvardiol emerging as a key option.
Real Madrid have reportedly been monitoring Gvardiol for three years, and the current summer window may present an opportunity to secure his services. The Croatia international has two years remaining on his current contract with Manchester City, a situation both Madrid and Bayern Munich are hoping to exploit. Bayern Munich have also made contact with Gvardiol’s representatives.
However, Manchester City are aware of the external interest and are preparing to offer Gvardiol a new contract in an attempt to retain his services. The 22-year-old joined City from RB Leipzig in 2023 for a reported £77 million, becoming one of the most expensive defenders in Premier League history. He has since established himself as a regular in Pep Guardiola’s squad, making 33 appearances across all competitions this past season.
Gvardiol’s profile aligns with Real Madrid’s transfer strategy, and a refusal to sign a new contract at the Etihad Stadium could facilitate a move to the Bernabeu. The centre-back’s arrival would add quality and depth to a Real Madrid defensive line facing uncertainty with the futures of Alaba and Rudiger. Securing a top-tier central defender is considered a priority for the club's sporting department as they aim to maintain their competitiveness in both La Liga and the Champions League.
