- 6 hours ago
The ASTRONOMICAL fee Real Madrid are ready to pay for Gvardiol
Carlo Garganese
- Updated: 10 Jan 2023 17:46 GMT
- 3 min read
Real Madrid are prepared to pay an astronomical €90 million for Leipzig and Croatia sensation Josko Gvardiol.
That is according to Spotitalia’s respected transfer journalist Alfredo Pedulla, who reports that Madrid are only €10m short of Leipzig’s asking price for the defender.
Pedulla adds that Madrid have been hesitant to splash out on huge transfer fees in recent years unless they are absolutely sure of the quality of that player. Aurelien Tchouameni, signed from Monaco for €100m this past summer, is one example.
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Madrid are said to be absolutely sure that Gvardiol is destined for greatness and see him as the replacement for Nacho, who is set to leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.
The Blancos would make a bid for Gvardiol with the intention of bringing him to the club at the end of the season.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also heavily interested in the 20-year-old.
Gvardiol has emerged as arguably the most exciting young central defender in Europe this year.
The Leipzig defender has been one of the best defenders at the World Cup for Croatia, who booked their place in the quarter-finals by eliminating Japan this week on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Gvardiol was impressive again in that game, just as he was in the 0-0 draw with Belgium which qualified Croatia for the last-16.
He made a goal-saving block late in the game which kept Croatia in the tournament.
His performances have only further strengthened the interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.
Gvardiol has spoken recently about the prospect of joining both Real Madrid and Chelsea.
He said earlier this week that Madrid were the biggest team in the world and could see himself playing there.
What has Gvardiol said about Real Madrid?
"Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, so who knows," Gvardiol told reporters.
"Maybe one day I can play there. I'd like to, yes.
"[Luka] Modric doesn't have to tell me anything about Real Madrid, there's no need. I already know everything. I know it's the biggest club in the world and how important it is to be linked to a team like that."
Gvardiol is next in action at the World Cup on Friday when Croatia play Brazil in the quarter-finals.
