'Not even close' - Arsenal handed Premier League title boost with Man City transfer admission
Manchester City have been handed a huge blow in their transfer pursuit of RB Leipzig Josko Gvardiol.
The Premier League champions had reportedly agreed a deal to sign the Croatian earlier this week, with some outlets suggesting the 21-year-old had already completed the first part of his medical.
Pep Guardiola's men are looking to strengthen their options ahead of the 2023/24 season. Having already signed Mateo Kovacic, the Citizens look set to bolster their defence with Gvardiol's signing, a deal that would damage Arsenal's Premier League title hopes.
However, according to Leipzig director Max Eberl the two clubs are «very far apart» in negotiations. Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, he said: «There is no agreement with Manchester City. Not even close.
»The fact is that Man City would like to have him. Currently, we are still very far apart. The transfer of (Dominik) Szoboszlai has secured us financially. We don't need the money. We would prefer Josko to stay."
Leipzig head coach Marco Rose has also spoken on the matter, seeming to play down Gvardiol's transfer. «Josko is one of our players and as far as I know he will remain one of our players,» he said.
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«I don't know anything about a medical check, nothing about a first and nothing about a second. I think if it was, I would know as head coach.»
Gvardiol's arrival in Manchester would only make City stronger ahead of the new season. The Croatian is one of the most exciting central defenders in Europe, having best strongly tipped to join Chelsea last season.
Arsenal's £200million spending spree has placed them in a good position to push their league rivals the distance once again. However, the
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