BBC pundit says £80m player would be taking huge risk by signing for Chelsea

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Matt Upson has sent a warning to RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol about possibly joining Chelsea in the future.

Gvardiol, 21, is a talented young centre-back linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent times.

For instance, journalist Simon Phillips told GiveMeSport last month that Chelsea have been in conversations with Leipzig for the defender. They were completely knocked back with approaches in January, but the door may be open for a sale in the summer.

Foot Mercato reported that the Blues even submitted a bid worth over £80million for Gvardiol.

BBC pundit Upson has delivered a glowing verdict on the qualities of Gvardiol, who he thinks is the complete package as a defender.

However, he suggests it would be a huge risk moving to Chelsea given their current position. Unfortunately, Graham Potter can’t decide his best XI with an oversized squad.

“He’s top drawer. He’s absolutely brilliant. I love watching him play. He’s got great balance because he’s a left-sider as well, which I think is another thing that makes him harder to find than what’s out there in the market.” Upspn told BBC Radio 5 Live (7:29pm, 22 February).

“Also, he’s got this calmness. You look at how he can defend and move his body; he’s got a bit of brute force and a real physical presence. He’s quick across the ground, but he’s got real composure as well with the ball.

“I guess what I’m describing there is a world-class centre-half, and that’s what he is. To be that good at 21, and to be that confident and calm, says a lot about him. His future is massive.”

When asked about a potential move to Chelsea, Upson added: “Chelsea is a dangerous move for a player because it’s a bit unsettled. There are players in and out of the team all the time, so from that perspective, Chelsea is not selling itself in high regard.

“I think there are a lot of clubs that might be in a more settled position that would bring a player like him into the fold and then allow him to build into that back four or back three. Then he can really showcase how good he is.”

Gvardiol impressed last night during a performance against English opposition, playing in Leipzig’s 1-1 draw at home to Manchester City in the Champions League.

The powerful centre-half was involved in an intriguing battle with Erling Haaland. In addition, he scored his side’s goal with a superb header from a corner.

It looks like he’s the kind of young defender that would be a great signing for any top side, but Chelsea do currently have a lot of centre-halves in their ranks.

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