Here we…no? Fabrizio Romano's Gvardiol transfer claim DENIED by Man City camp

Suraj Radia

• 19 Jul 2023 21:32 BST
• 2 min read

Confusion arose over the future of Josko Gvardiol after transfer guru Fabrizio Romano gave his trademark ‘here we go’ only for Manchester City sources to deny claims that a deal had been struck with RB Leipzig.

Gvardiol has been a long-term target of Pep Guardiola and personal terms have been agreed for more than a month, however both City and Leipzig had so far been unable to come to an agreement over a fee.

Leipzig are said to be demanding a price in excess of €100 million for the 21-year-old, making him the most expensive defender of all time, although City had previously been unwilling to match that figure.

WORLD RECORD: How much Gvardiol could end up costing Manchester City

However, Romano revealed that, not only had an agreement over a fee been reached by the two clubs but that Gvardiol completed the first part of his medical with City on Wednesday.

The news was seemingly confirmed when the Croatian liked a post on Instagram relaying the news, while Gvardiol also followed City duo John Stones and Ruben Dias on the platform.

But the revelation was seemingly premature after The Daily Telegraph reporter James Ducker asserted a fee had not been agreed and thus no medical had happened, throwing cold water on the claims by Romano.

Gvardiol targeted as part of Guardiola’s tactical shift

Gvardiol is still expected to complete a move to City this summer despite the drawn-out negotiations as Guardiola looks to retool his squad to fit into his latest tactical 3-2-4-1 system.

Kyle Walker has reportedly told the City boss that he wishes to join Bayern Munich and talks are underway over a deal, while Aymeric Laporte and Joao Cancelo both are not part of Guardiola’s plans.

With Riyad Mahrez also set to depart for Saudi Arabia after agreeing a £30m deal with Al-Ahli, City will focus on striking a deal for Gvardiol with the windfall.

HEAD-TO-HEAD: City set to face off with Arsenal for Barcelona star

Barcelona’s Raphinha has been linked as a replacement for Mahrez but City may also look to continue strengthening in defence with players such as Benjamin Pavard, who can play at centre-back as well as out wide if Guardiola looks to revert to a more traditional formation.