Transfers

Chelsea close to signing 20-year-old Bundesliga defender

Chelsea reportedly remain confident that they will eventually win the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

During the most recent transfer window, Chelsea completed deals to sign Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly as they bid to strengthen their backline.

However, during that process, the Blues were known to hold an interest in Gvardiol, despite the young Croatian only being one season into a long-term deal at RB Leipzig.

The German outfit have since strengthened their position with regards to the 20-year-old, who is now tied to the club until the end of 2026-27.

Nevertheless, it appears increasingly likely that RB Leipzig will eventually be open to cashing in on a player who has just starred at the World Cup.

Gvardiol was an ever-present in the centre of Croatia’s defence, helping guide the Checkered Ones to the semi-finals where they lost to Argentina before he scored during the 2-1 third-place playoff win over Morocco.

The versatile defender now returns to his Bundesliga side with his reputation having been enhanced and more suitors ready to press ahead by upping their interest.

Manchester City and Real Madrid have both been linked with Gvardiol ahead of possibly making an approach for his signature during the summer transfer window.

However, according to 90min, Chelsea are optimistic that they will win the race for his signature at some point during 2023.

Over the weekend, it was widely reported that the West Londoners had finalised a deal to sign Gvardiol’s Leipzig teammate Christopher Nkunku at the end of the season.

Chelsea officials are no strangers to handling business with their Leipzig counterparts and talks seem likely to continue with regards to Gvardiol.

The report suggests that Chelsea would like to announce both signings during the January window, putting an end of constant speculation regarding each player.

Gvardiol is also said to have been left impressed by Chelsea’s desire to sign him, the player having recently acknowledged that he has spoken to Blues midfielder Mateo Kovacic during their time with their national team.