Real Madrid to pursue Gvardiol despite recent defensive signings
Club president Florentino Pérez backs the move, viewing the Croatian as the premier option among discussed candidates.
Real Madrid are preparing to pursue Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol during the upcoming summer transfer window. Incoming manager José Mourinho has identified the Croatian international as a priority target to strengthen the club’s defensive ranks, signalling a continued focus on the backline despite recent activity in the market.
The pursuit of Gvardiol comes shortly after Real Madrid finalised deals for defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries. However, reports indicate that Mourinho remains unsatisfied with the current quality and depth of defensive options available to him for the next season. The Portuguese manager is reportedly seeking additional reinforcement, specifically targeting the left side of the defence.
According to a report by transfer journalist Alberto Pereiro, Mourinho has explicitly requested Gvardiol’s signature. The source indicates that the incoming manager views the Manchester City player as essential to his plans, regardless of the recent acquisitions of Konaté and Dumfries.
Club president Florentino Pérez appears to share this assessment. Pereiro’s report suggests that Pérez considers Gvardiol the best defensive option among the names discussed by the club’s brass, including the players already secured. The club’s stance is described as determined, with intentions to pursue the signing “come hell or high water.”
The report highlights a strategic push by the Bernabéu leadership to address perceived weaknesses in the squad. While the signings of Konaté and Dumfries were completed over the last 48 hours, the internal dissatisfaction with defensive depth has driven the club to target another high-profile defender from the Premier League.
The feasibility of securing Gvardiol from Manchester City remains unconfirmed, and the report relies on secondary sourcing via Yahoo Sports. Nevertheless, the alignment between Mourinho’s requests and Pérez’s perceived preference suggests a coordinated effort to reinforce the squad before the window closes.
