Manchester City Confident in Josko Gvardiol Contract Extension Amid Real Madrid Interest

Manchester City is reportedly optimistic about securing a contract extension for defender Josko Gvardiol, despite significant interest from Real Madrid. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicates that the Premier League club is confident the Croatian international will sign a new deal that would run until 2031 and include an improved salary.

Gvardiol's current contract with Manchester City is set to expire in the summer of 2028. Reports from Spain had previously suggested that the defender had paused renewal discussions following Real Madrid's emergence as a suitor.

Real Madrid's new manager, Jose Mourinho, had identified Gvardiol as a primary target to strengthen the club's defensive unit. The Spanish giants considered Gvardiol an enticing prospect due to his ability to play both centre-back and left-back, alongside his potential as a long-term signing given his age.

This potential contract renewal by Manchester City is considered a setback for Real Madrid, who had made Gvardiol a central part of their defensive recruitment strategy. Consequently, Real Madrid is now expected to broaden its search for alternative central defenders.

Names mentioned as potential options for Real Madrid include Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund, Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal, and Tomas Araujo from SL Benfica. The club is also considering promoting talent from its academy, such as Joan Martinez or Diego Aguado, as they aim to sign at least one more central defender this summer.

(Source: Yahoo Sports Soccer)