Manchester City heavyweight moves away from Real Madrid – report | OneFootball

With Jose Mourinho returning to the helm of affairs at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid’s defensive rebuild is beginning to take shape this summer.

Los Blancos have already secured deals for as many as three new defenders in Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Marc Cucurella, although only the latter one has officially been confirmed.

But the Portuguese manager remains intent on bringing in one more centre-back this summer, with Los Blancos showing a strong interest in Manchester City and Croatia mainstay Josko Gvardiol.

No move for Gvardiol

However, according to AS, Gvardiol is no longer viewed as a key target at the Spanish capital club.

The Croatian defender had been considered an attractive option because of his versatility. Capable of playing both as a left-sided centre-back and a left-back, he fit the profile Mourinho wanted when assessing areas of the squad that required strengthening.

Gvardiol move off. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

However, circumstances have changed. The addition of Cucurella has addressed the left-back position, while other defensive signings have reduced the urgency for further investment at the back.

Combined with the financial demands involved in any potential deal, Gvardiol’s chances of moving to Madrid have significantly diminished.

Renewal on track

Manchester City also have little interest in letting Gvardiol leave. Despite speculation surrounding changes at the club following Pep Guardiola’s departure, the Premier League giants remain determined to keep him as part of their long-term plans.

While injuries limited his involvement last season, including a lengthy spell out with a tibia fracture, City continue to view him as a central figure in their future project.

As such, the Cityzens are working towards extending his contract, even though he is already tied to the club until 2028, with a breakthrough just around the corner.

Therefore, for now, Real Madrid appear focused elsewhere, with Cucurella’s arrival and other defensive additions making a move for Gvardiol increasingly unlikely.

New midfield addition seen as priority

Enzo Fernandez is now a key target. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Indeed, Los Blancos are making the signing of a new midfielder a top priority in the coming days, with the club planning to fast-track a move for Chelsea vice-captain Enzo Fernandez.

Once that operation is done, Real Madrid could enter the market for another defender, but Gvardiol is seemingly off the table.

Names like Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund and Tomas Araujo of SL Benfica could become genuine options.