Nathan Ake has expressed his eagerness for Josko Gvardiol to join Manchester City, despite the Croatian potentially threatening his game time.
That City want to sign Gvardiol from RB Leipzig is the worst-kept secret in football, but it appears there is still some way to go before a deal is agreed.
Last week it was widely reported that the two clubs had agreed a fee around Leipzig’s £86m asking price, and that Gvardiol had undergone his City medical.
However, those reports were quickly denied and the 21-year-old defender went on Leipzig’s pre-season tour in Italy.
Recent reports have claimed that the two clubs are still apart in their valuation of Gvardiol, but City remain confident they will get the deal done.
Ake wants Gvardiol to sign
With Aymeric Laporte expected to leave the club this summer, City want to bring in Gvardiol as his replacement.
That personnel switch would leave City with five senior centre-backs, yet Nathan Ake is not worried.
The Dutchman – who is reportedly close to signing a new contract at City – believes Gvardiol would be a great addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad.
“It’s good. I think whoever comes in is going to be a challenge for the positions the people play at,” he told the Manchester Evening News when asked for his thoughts on City’s pursuit of Gvardiol.
“That’s what this club does, bringing new people, making sure everyone is on their toes, making sure everyone’s ready and to help the team to achieve new things again.
“I’m sure if it’s all true and if it’s happening then it will be a great addition and it means we have to fight, everyone has to fight for the sport, everyone has to do well and that keeps the bar set high.”
MCN view: Competition is key
Ake is right – competition within a squad is the key to avoiding stagnation or regression.
It would be easy for the treble-winners to pick up from where they left last season, but that’s when opponents start to figure you out.
Gvardiol is not only a great player but he will challenge City’s current defenders to improve themselves.
