Chelsea are reportedly still keen to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph.
The report indicates that the Blues are preparing for a “double raid” of Leipzig that will involve attacker Cristopher Nkunku and the aforementioned defender. Both players have a release clause in their contracts with the 20-year-old defender’s set at just £43.6 million.
If Law’s numbers are correct then the double swoop could cost the team roughly £100 million.
Chelsea Plotting Josko Gvardiol Signing in RB Leipzig Double Raid
Leipzig double swoop – Chelsea still hope to sign Josko Gvardiol after securing Nkunku agreement for next summer. #cfc https://t.co/FloAxpCoaZ
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) October 3, 2022
Defensive Prospect
The Bundesliga player has been described as “one of the finest young defensive talents in European football”. The Croatian international has impressed in his last two seasons with Dinamo Zagreb and RB Leipzig, earning himself a regular spot in the Croatian national team in the process.
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With a reported release clause of under £45 million, the 20-year-old could be a steal if The Blues pull off the signing.
🤯 Josko Gvardiol made more accurate through balls in the league last season (8) than Reece James, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso, Malang Sarr and Cesar Azpilicueta COMBINED (7) pic.twitter.com/I1agmVP3Rd
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 20, 2022
Long Term Moves
While Todd Boehly’s first window as co-owner of Chelsea saw him splash big on Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana to strengthen the defence there is still work to be done. Thiago Silva, while still performing, isn’t getting younger, nor is veteran Cesar Azpilicueta.
For a team that often operates with three central defenders, there is a need for at least three top-tier centre-backs in their prime. With that in mind, Gvardiol would be quite a smart signing.
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While there are other big money moves to be pondered, £45 million for such a promising young defender feels like a no-brainer for a team with a 38-year-old marshalling their defence. Especially a promising defender with such a strong track record already.
