Revealed: Man City’s contract renewal belief around first-team star amid Real Madrid interest | OneFootball

Officials at the Etihad Stadium hold internal belief that Josko Gvardiol will commit his future to Manchester City this summer, despite transfer interest on the continent.

The update arrives as one of the most closely watched contract sagas of the summer window appears to be moving towards a positive resolution for City, with multiple reports this week having confirmed the club’s confidence that the 24-year-old will ultimately choose to stay.

It has recently been reported that Gvardiol faces a straight choice between signing a new City deal or moving to Real Madrid, with Bayern Munich ruled of the race.

Director of football Hugo Viana has made Gvardiol’s renewal one of his most pressing priorities of the summer, with City also offering improved salary terms as part of the renewed proposal that has been sent to the Croatian’s representatives.

Report: City optimistic of Gvardiol green light on new deal

As per transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are optimistic of receiving Josko Gvardiol‘s personal green light over the signing of a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.

It is confirmed that a deal with improved terms has been sent to the Croatian international, with Manchester City executives confident that an agreement will be completed.

The update from Romano represents the most authoritative signal yet that City’s pursuit of a renewal is closing in on a positive conclusion, building on recent indications pointing to Gvardiol staying on the basis of him being settled in Manchester and at the club.

What is the wider context for Gvardiol’s future?

Gvardiol told Croatian media last week that he was happy at City and would assess his future after the FIFA World Cup with Croatia, with direct talks between the defender and incoming manager Enzo Maresca expected to take place once the tournament concludes in mid-July.

Real Madrid‘s interest under president Florentino Perez remains the only credible external threat to City’s position, though Viana’s move to table an improved offer and Romano’s update on City’s optimism suggests the club believe they now have the package in place to keep one of the best defenders in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium.

With Ruben Dias also understood to be staying this summer, City look increasingly likely to enter Maresca’s first season with their defensive core intact, giving the incoming manager a platform of quality and continuity from which to begin building his own era in Manchester.