‘It would be possible’: Bayern ‘watching’ £64.8m Man City star – reliable journalist | OneFootball

Bayern Munich are reportedly keeping a close eye on the situation of Josko Gvardiol ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Manchester City defender emerging as a potential option for the Bundesliga champions.

The German giants had recently been linked with a move for John Stones following confirmation that the England international will leave the Etihad on a free transfer, but sporting director Max Eberl has since made it clear that Bayern are not pursuing that deal.

Bayern, however, could shift attention towards Gvardiol, particularly amid suggestions that the Croatian would be open to a return to the Bundesliga.

Are Bayern interested in signing Josko Gvardiol?

Reports earlier this week claimed that Gvardiol has long admired Bayern and could picture himself making the move to Bavaria in the future.

With Pep Guardiola set to step down as Manchester City manager after Sunday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, speculation has naturally intensified over whether some of City’s senior stars could reassess their futures.

Christian Falk has now told CFBayern Insider that Gvardiol is viewed as an “interesting” option by Bayern, though any deal would come with a significant financial challenge.

The Bild journalist said: “There’s another defender in Manchester who could be a little hotter by comparison – and that’s Joško Gvardiol (24). Lothar Matthäus said he heard that Bayern Munich are considering a move for the Croatian. In England, they’ve also broached the subject. Bayern are watching Gvardiol; he’s a very interesting player for them.

“However, he’s also a very expensive player. Manchester City would price him at €70m-75m [£60.5m-64.8m]. But the interesting thing is that I heard Joško Gvardiol himself would like to return to the Bundesliga. Internally, he believes it would be a dream to play in Germany again. There are many people around him pushing the defender to go to Bayern Munich.

“There is a five-year contract on the table for him at Manchester City. So, in the end, I think he’ll decide in favour of the guaranteed money he’ll get at the Etihad. He can’t wait forever for Bayern. Still, there are rumours that Bayern Munich would like to sell Alphonso Davies, and if this occurs, Gvardiol, it’s worth noting, can also play at left-back. So, it would be possible to sign the Croatia international. Otherwise, €70m-75m is too much for Bayern. But I think it’s very interesting that the player himself would like to join Bayern Munich.”

Josko Gvardiol would be a terrific signing for Bayern

Bayern’s immediate transfer focus appears to be strengthening the attacking department, with Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United among the names linked.

On paper, Vincent Kompany already has solid defensive depth at his disposal through Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito and Kim Min-jae, while Josip Stanisic provides additional versatility.

That said, should Bayern offload one or two defenders this summer — particularly Ito or Kim — the equation could change dramatically, and a player of Gvardiol’s calibre would instantly become a highly attractive option.