Mateo Kovacic believes Croatia team-mate Josko Gvardiol is ready to make his next career step and join him at Manchester City.

City is in negotiations with RB Leipzig to acquire the defender, who is 21 years old and is valued by his club at approximately £86 million. The team wants to finish negotiations before the new season begins.

Kovacic remarked that “Josko has a lot of untapped potential.” “He has the opportunity to come here to grow and become the best possible version of himself.” Given that we are excellent friends and that he is Croatian, it is only natural that I would enjoy it. It would be helpful to have someone who speaks Croatian here by my side.

He has already participated in a great number of important games. He is prepared to proceed to the next stage.

It seems like a fantastic time to join City, if you ask me. They are having a fantastic run, are a highly confident team, and are one of the teams that you can gain insight from. They have, quite likely, the best management in the entire history of the company. Therefore, I came here in an effort to become a part of an amazing community and to educate myself.

Manchester City are negotiating with RB Leipzig for 21-year-old defender Joso Gvardiol

Mateo Kovacic (Left) has expressed his delight at the prospect of his Croatian teammate signing with the club.

Although he is still young, he has grown up quickly. He does not require a great deal of advice. Both at the World Cup and with Leipzig, he turned up outstanding performances.’

Pep Guardiola’s team ended their preseason tour with a 2-1 loss to Atletico Madrid in Seoul. Kovacic, who was signed from Chelsea for a fee of £25 million, is the only new player in Pep Guardiola’s side at this time.

Nathan Ake, a potential competitor for John Gvardiol on the left side of City’s defense, did not play against Atletico owing to a tight calf; nevertheless, it is anticipated that he will be healthy to play in the Community Shield on Sunday against Arsenal.