‘This is the time’: Chelsea looking to sign £75m star as quickly as possible, talks have opened – journalist

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Journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport that Chelsea are looking to speed things up to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

The 20-year-old is off the back of a sensational World Cup with third placed side Croatia.

He really announced himself to the world’s elite sides as a confident, assured defender that should be considered as one of the best options available for any side looking to strengthen at the back.

As for the Blues though, they have been well aware of his abilities since way before this tournament.

They made a late push to sign the defender in the final days of the transfer window in the summer, despite already bringing in Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana.

An effort that included an option for Leipzig to have him back on loan this season failed to come off, despite being close.

Chelsea pushing for Gvardiol

Now, they are more than aware that they will face stiff competition from the elite European sides in any attempts to strike a deal.

Jones has claimed that although they are facing a tough race to confirm the signing now, the Blues are still prioritising the deal, and hope to get it done quick.

He said: “On the back of his World Cup performances, this is the time to accelerate talks with Gvardiol, not find an alternative.

“As far as I understand, that is exactly what’s happened. Chelsea are looking to get this Gvardiol deal sealed as soon as they possibly can.”

With the club set to have a great void when Thiago Silva finally stops conning us all about his ability to defy the process of ageing, the Blues will need a top quality to option to fill the gap.

While Gvardiol has experience on the left, he already looks comfortable enough on the ball to take the reins.