Josko Gvardiol could make his Manchester City debut against Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday.
That’s come from Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, after the news broke that Gvardiol is on the brink of joining City from RB Leipzig.
Gvardiol has been one of City’s top transfer targets this summer, and it now looks like Pep Guardiola is going to get his man.
On Wednesday it was widely reported that City have agreed to pay £77.5m (€90m) for Gvardiol, less than the €100m Leipzig originally wanted and without any add-ons.
The 21-year-old defender – regarded by Guardiola as one of the best players in the world in his position – is expected to sign a five-year contract with City, with the option of a further 12 months.
Could Gvardiol play at Wembley?
Gvardiol is expected to fly to Manchester and complete his medical within the coming days.
If that is the case then he could be in line to make his City debut in Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal at Wembley.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, Solhekol said it’s a real possibility.
“It’s touch and go whether Gvardiol will be available to play in that game, obviously it depends what happens in his medical but there aren’t expected to be any problems at all,” the journalist said.
“As far as Leipzig are concerned the deal has been finalised. All it needs is for the player to pass his medical and he will become a Man City player.”
MCN view: City fans will have to wait to see Gvardiol
Even if Gvardiol passes his medical with flying colours, it seems unlikely that Guardiola will throw him into the team straight away.
Guardiola takes the Community Shield seriously, seeing it as a chance to win silverware but also to prepare for the opening match of the Premier League season.
The City boss will want to go with a strong line-up that closely resembles the one that will face Burnley next week.
Throwing in a new player who hasn’t had a chance to even train with his new teammates doesn’t fit that approach, although the defender could come on for some late minutes.
