‘Everyone’s in for him’: Rio Ferdinand thinks Chelsea will have to fight Man City to sign £80m player

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Rio Ferdinand believes Chelsea will have a battle on their hands to sign Josko Gvardiol.

Speaking on his own YouTube channel, Ferdinand anticipated a financial wrestling match between the Blues and numerous other European heavyweights in the contest for RB Leipzig’s luxury defender.

Attention surrounding Gvardiol has heightened to new extremes during the World Cup.

The 20-year-old has been one of the outstanding performers in Qatar, and one of the main reasons Croatia reached the semi-final.

He was no match for Lionel Messi as Argentina carried on through to the show piece event, but is anyone really a match for Messi?

Aside from the footballing messiah, very few managed to squeeze much out of Gvardiol.

His consistency in the face of unparalleled pressure earned him regular plaudits from pundits, including Ferdinand.

“I know he got turned inside out, but it was by Messi, is Gvardiol, the left side centre-half. He’ll be going for 50, 60, £70 million soon,” claimed the Manchester United icon.

“Chelsea, (Manchester) City, everyone’s in for him. He’s 20-years-old by the way.

“Those are my three for (best) young player at the tournament. (Julian) Alvarez, Enzo Fernandez and Gvardiol.”

Chelsea gear up to fight for Gvardiol

Gvardiol not only earned the praise from Ferdinand and his fellow ex-professionals, but he has also seemingly received the admiration of Chelsea and City.

Todd Boehly may have to personally fend off Pep Guardiola’s employers if he is to sign Leipzig’s centre-back.

This will not be a walk in the park, of course, as the Etihad chain of command are one of the few who can financially oppose the new Stamford Bridge owner.

It’s not yet clear who will win this battle, but it’s certain either one must relinquish a whole load of cash to sign Gvardiol.

Whilst Ferdinand suggested up to £70m, other reports claim Chelsea have already made an £80m bid.

Guess Graham Potter’s squad won’t be getting any Christmas presents this year… other than potentially the gift of Gvardiol.