Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, but they face huge competition in the race for his signature.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are not favourites to get the 21-year-old defender in the summer transfer window.
It is understood that Liverpool and Tottenham, along with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, are really desperate to sign Gvardiol. Real Madrid are named as interested buyers, too.
The report explains that the centre-back is ‘almost certain’ to leave Leipzig at the end of the season. Graham Potter’s side are behind in the race to get him, though.
Foot Mercato claimed in the winter that Chelsea submitted a bid worth over £80million for Gvardiol, but he ended up staying in Leipzig colours for the rest of the season.
Described as “absolutely brilliant” by BBC pundit Matt Upson, Gvardiol is a special talent destined for the very top.
The left-footer is everything you want in a modern centre-back with his physicality, speed and quality on the ball.
He’s a great passer and comfortable in possession, which is why it’s no surprise Guardiola is desperate to have him at the Etihad Stadium next season.
The powerful centre-half was fantastic in the recent World Cup in Qatar for third-placed Croatia. He’s impressing in both the Bundesliga and Champions League with Leipzig now at club level.
Do Chelsea really need to spend big on another defender?
Gvardiol would be a fine addition to any of the top clubs across Europe, so you can understand why Chelsea’s name are in the hat. It makes sense they’re not frontrunners to get him, though.
There is already a number of talented centre-halves in the first-team squad at Chelsea, including the very impressive Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea’s recruitment staff has to go all out for a No.9 in the striker position this summer before looking elsewhere.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
