Man City transfer news: Why Real Madrid believe they can sign Gvardiol despite Citizens’ reluctance to sell

Josko Gvardiol is the latest defensive target on Real Madrid's summer shopping list. And while Manchester City wish to keep the Croatian, the Spanish club firmly believe they can lure the player to the Bernabeu.

Benfica confirmed on Thursday that Real Madrid had contacted the Portuguese club to activate Jose Mourinho's £12.7 million (€15 million) release clause. All doubts surrounding the Special One have now been removed — he will be the next Real Madrid manager. However, the summer transfer manoeuvres are already well under way, with president Florentino Perez having confirmed the imminent arrival of Ibrahima Konate, who is out of contract at Liverpool.

A second significant signing is set to follow for approximately £17 million (€20 million) in the shape of Denzel Dumfries from Inter Milan. And that is not all, as Real Madrid are dreaming of adding Gvardiol to their ranks.

Real Madrid go all in for Gvardiol

As reported by AS, the 24-year-old Croatian has offered himself to the Spanish giants for next season. The arrival of Konate does not rule out this possibility, quite the opposite. In the coming weeks, Real Madrid will lose David Alaba when his contract expires and must contend with the uncertain future of Raul Asencio, as well as the long-term injuries to Eder Militao — sidelined until late October or early November according to AS — and Ferland Mendy, who is not expected back until April 2027.

Gvardiol, who is capable of operating at centre-back and left-back, would address multiple problems in one move.

That suits Real Madrid perfectly. It does not suit Manchester City, however. AS relays a report from Croatian outlet Jutarnji list claiming that the Premier League runners-up have no intention of selling Gvardiol this summer. City are instead looking to extend the defender's contract with an improved salary, despite the player already earning approximately £8.5 million (€10 million) per year.

Real Madrid believe Gvardiol move remains possible

For their defender, Manchester City would demand what the Spanish outlet describes as an “astronomical sum,” estimated to be close to the £76 million (€90 million) they paid in 2023 to bring the international to the Etihad. A fee of that magnitude could discourage Real Madrid, who are not prepared to overstretch their finances on this particular profile.

The decisive factor, however, will be the player's own desire. City are a club that do not hold players against their will, and AS underlines that Gvardiol has offered himself to Madrid and wishes to leave England in the wake of Pep Guardiola's departure — the manager who originally attracted him to the Premier League.

Should Gvardiol's determination to leave be confirmed, a move to Real Madrid next season remains firmly within the realms of possibility — and the Spanish club believe in it wholeheartedly.