Chelsea want to sign £78m defender again, but he has little interest in joining

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Chelsea are still keen to sign Josko Gvardiol after coming close in 2022 – however, those at Stamford Bridge are feeling pessimistic.

That is according to 90min.

So, what are the details involving Chelsea and Josko Gvardiol? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well – according to the Telegraph – Chelsea were very close to signing the Croatia international in a £77.7m deal back in August 2022.

However, Gvardiol eventually stayed at RB Leipzig, where his reputation has soared following an outstanding World Cup campaign.

The 21-year-old made seven appearances as Croatia finished with bronze in Qatar, scoring against Morocco in the third-place playoff to secure a 2-1 win.

Now – according to 90min – Chelsea feel they have little hope of signing Gvardiol this summer after failing to qualify for any European competition next season, as the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid emerge as frontrunners.

The RB Leipzig No.32’s preferred options are Manchester City and Real Madrid, with Pep Guardiola ready to make room in his squad by selling Aymeric Laporte.

Chelsea will regret failing to seal 2022 Gvardiol deal

In our view, Chelsea will look back at their failure to secure Gvardiol’s signature in 2022 with huge regret.

Even in a £77.7m deal, the Croatian wonderkid would have been a bargain based on how he has developed since last August, with many expecting him to become the world’s most expensive defender whenever he moves clubs.

Gvardiol has a €100m (£86m) release clause in his contract nowadays, which would just about edge him ahead of the current record holder if it is triggered – Manchester United’s £85m man Harry Maguire.

Of course, Chelsea could still sign the Zagreb-born wonderkid if there happens to be a shock development.

However – by the sounds of what is coming from the Chelsea camp – there is not much optimism about getting a deal for Gvardiol over the line this summer.