Leipzig can convince Gvardiol to stay in Bundesliga for that long.
Josko Gvardiol is on the radar of the top clubs after his impressive show in World Cup. Chelsea are keen to sign RB Leipzig and Croatia defender, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport.
But, O’Rourke admits things have become much more difficult for the West London club after the excellent performances in World Cup 2022.
Transfer insider Dean Jones recently spoke to GMS that the Blues are eager to wrap up a deal for Gvardiol.
Chelsea recently signed Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly as they lost their two premium defenders. Now, the Blues are still keen to add another center-back to their squad.
Graham Potter has a great option in the Croatian defender who can deliver his best at Stamford Bridge, but he is unlikely to come cheap.
As per the reports of Sky Sport reporter Florian Plettenberg, the 20-year-old has a €110m release clause that becomes active in 2024.
Whether Leipzig can convince the Croatia international to stay in Bundesliga for that long, though, remains to be seen.
O’Rourke admits the Blues have been leading the race for Gvardiol.
Speaking to GMS, he said: “I don’t think it’s going to be an easy race for Chelsea to win, but they’ve been the ones who have been leading the race from the start for Gvardiol.
“But it’s definitely got a lot harder for them in recent weeks following his World Cup exploits, and RB Leipzig are pretty adamant that he won’t be leaving in January. If he doesn’t leave in January, I’m sure there’ll be a potential move for him in the summer with a host of top clubs keen on him.”
Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic also plays for Croatia and he described his national teammate as “phenomenal” in a recent interview with TUTTOmercatoWEB.
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