Chelsea will seemingly not face competition from Bayern Munich for Josko Gvardiol.
According to Bayern’s director Hasan Salihamidzic, the Bundesliga champions will not go after the 20-year-old from their league rival.
“No signing of another centre-back is planned. We’re well-equipped at centre-back with (Matthijs) de Ligt, Lucas Hernández and (Dayot) Upamecano, three top players. We also have Josip Stanisic,” said Salihamidzić, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
RB Leipzig will be thankful that the German giant is not pushing for their player.
Bayern have history of stealing the best and brightest from their adversaries.
They raided Leipzig twice last season for Upamecano and Marcel Sabitzer.
Robert Lewandowski, Benjamin Pavard, Niklas Sule and Serge Gnabry are amongst the other examples of Bayern’s ability to pinch talent from right under their neighbours’ noses.
But on this occasion, Gvardiol looks to be left alone by the Champions League side.
However, Leipzig are not going to be void of offers for their Croatian international.
His performances at the World Cup have made him one of the hottest properties on the market right now.
An asset that Chelsea are reportedly pushing harder than most to try and obtain.
Chelsea still chasing Gvardiol
Todd Boehly has attempted to throw himself to the front of the queue, ahead of the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid.
If Boehly gets to the finish line first, he may need to do so with a huge stash of cash in his pocket.
Gvardiol apparently has a release clause of £95m that kicks in in 2024.
To be able to snap up the Croat before then, clubs might have to pay upwards of £80m.
It’s a hefty price, but one that could be reimbursed if the defender delivers the goods indefinitely.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
