Manchester City are preparing a contract extension offer for Josko Gvardiol after both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich made direct contact with the Croatia international’s representatives over a possible summer transfer. The dual approach from two of Europe’s biggest clubs signals the scale of interest in a player Pep Guardiola considers irreplaceable at the Etihad.
Gvardiol, 24, has been sidelined since January after fracturing his right tibia in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea, but reports indicate he is progressing well in rehabilitation and remains on course to feature for Croatia at the summer World Cup. The timing of the European interest is calculated, with the defender’s deal running until 2028 and City yet to open formal renewal discussions.
Real Madrid have spent recent months missing out on several defensive targets, with Marc Guehi joining City, Dayot Upamecano extending at Bayern, and Nico Schlotterbeck committing to Dortmund. Gvardiol’s ability to operate at left centre-back and across the defensive line makes him a precise fit for what Florentino Perez is trying to build at the Bernabeu under incoming manager Jose Mourinho.
Bayern’s interest is equally strategic. With Leon Goretzka departing as a free agent this summer, Vincent Kompany is actively searching for defensive quality, and a player already familiar with the Bundesliga from his RB Leipzig days carries obvious appeal at the Allianz Arena.
Despite the contact, City’s sporting director Hugo Viana is understood to be relaxed, confident that Gvardiol is settled and happy in Manchester. The club has prioritised locking down its core squad this summer, following the successful resolution of Phil Foden’s contract, and a new deal through 2030 with a substantial pay rise is being readied for Gvardiol.
Guardiola made his stance public at a recent press conference. “I have no info,” the Spaniard said of the speculation. “I would love Gvardiol to stay here. It is not easy to find a player like him so hopefully he can stay.” Those words carry more authority than most managerial statements on transfer matters, and City’s position as a title-chasing club with elite European ambitions remains a powerful counterargument to any approach.
The two-year window remaining on his contract is nonetheless the precise scenario elite clubs are trained to exploit. Both Madrid and Munich understand that a formal offer placed early enough could force City’s hand before any renewal is completed, especially given that Gvardiol’s injury-disrupted season has delayed the start of formal talks.
City’s leverage remains significant, with the defender’s contentment at the club well-documented and no indication of a push for the exit. Whether Real Madrid or Bayern can genuinely match that environment, and at what price City would even consider selling, will define one of the more consequential transfer narratives of the upcoming summer window.