Real Madrid are focusing their efforts on securing the transfer of Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol this summer, according to TEAMtalk. The Croatian international has emerged as Jose Mourinho’s preferred target to reinforce the Spanish club’s defence, with Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori and Chelsea’s Levi Colwill also under consideration.
Sources indicate that Real Madrid view Gvardiol as the most attainable elite defensive option currently available. The club is actively seeking a new left-sided defender ahead of the upcoming campaign, and Mourinho has reportedly stressed the importance of versatility in any potential signing. While Calafiori is highly regarded, Arsenal are unwilling to negotiate his departure, with the player still having three years remaining on his contract and a high asking price.
Gvardiol joined Manchester City from RB Leipzig for £77.6 million in 2023 and has become a key player for Pep Guardiola. However, the centre-back’s current contract with City has only two years remaining, and negotiations for an extension have not yet reached a conclusion, a situation Real Madrid are monitoring closely. Mourinho believes Gvardiol’s profile – combining strong defensive capabilities with the ability to play multiple positions – aligns perfectly with his system.
Chelsea’s Levi Colwill is also on Real Madrid’s radar, fitting the profile of a defender capable of playing centrally or on the left. However, he is not currently considered a priority target. The club also retains interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck and Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, but these players are seen as more traditional centre-backs lacking the tactical flexibility Mourinho desires. Real Madrid are simultaneously pursuing deals for Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate and Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, signalling a significant reshaping of the squad under Mourinho.
