Chelsea have made an improved bid for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol in a swap deal with forward Timo Werner on loan, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The German side are adamant on keeping their player this summer, despite interest from some of the top clubs across Europe.
Chelsea Departures List Continues to Grow
Chelsea made a new attempt to sign Josko Gvardiol in a swap deal with Werner on loan, but RB Leipzig have still no intention to sell him. More possibilities will be discussed. 🔵 #CFC
Fofana, top target but Leicester want to keep him.
Pavard, backup option as reported days ago.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2022
The Club Are Scrambling to Cover Gaping Holes in Backline
Chelsea’s pursuit of defenders has been evident throughout the transfer window. The club said goodbye to both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen at the beginning of the summer, with the pair making the switch to La Liga as free agents.
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also strongly linked with a transfer to Barcelona, with left-back Marcus Alonso also rumoured to be in Xavi Hernandez’s targets. Both players have only one year remaining on their contracts with Chelsea.
Read More: Thomas Tuchel ‘Would Love to Keep’ Chelsea Defender as Barcelona Renew Interest
Barcelona will push again for César Azpilicueta in the next days. Azpi wants Barcelona move but he's gonna be professional with Chelsea, so depends on the two clubs now. 🇪🇸 #CFC
Jules Koundé will sign with Barça until June 2027, it's gonna be a five year deal as expected.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 29, 2022
Thomas Tuchel’s side narrowly missed out on centre-back target Jules Kounde to Barcelona after the Frenchman signed a five-year deal with the Spanish giants last month.
Chelsea were able to add some experience to their side, though, after completing the signing of Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli on a deal worth £34.5million.
Josko Gvardiol: Why Are Chelsea So Keen?
The Blues have now set their sights firmly on Gvardiol, who is one of the most exciting U21 prospects across Europe. He has made over 60 senior appearances for club and country and has experience in both the Champions League and Europa League.
In the Bundesliga last season, Gvardiol played 29 matches, contributing two goals and two assists across the campaign and cementing his name in the Leipzig starting 11.
Internationally, Gvardiol has represented his national side Croatia in their Euro 2020 campaign and during their World Cup Qualifiers.
📲 | El RB Leipzig ha rechazado un nuevo intento del Chelsea para fichar a Joško Gvardiol.
Los Blues han ofrecido a Timo Werner en un intercambio, pero el club alemán no tiene intención de vender.
🛑 @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/Tpj6KqsmBv
— Fútbol Total (@FutbolTotalCF) July 31, 2022
Gvardiol possesses the attributes of an old-fashioned centre-back with his quality in tackling, blocking and intercepting. However, what sets him aside from other defenders is his ability to create and develop attacks, carry the ball forward, pass into the final third and exploit the opponent’s defensive line – making it no surprise he has become one of the most sought-after defenders this summer.
Timo Werner Return Needed to Unlock Potential?
Timo Werner has been offered in return for a loan spell at his former club, Leipzig. The German joined Chelsea in June 2020 and has struggled to hit the same prolific levels he achieved in the Bundesliga.
For example, last season Werner played 21 league games and scored only four goals. In his last season at Leipzig (2019/2020 season), he played 34 matches and netted 28 times.
A loan move may be beneficial for all parties involved; Werner could rebuild confidence in his goal-scoring ability whilst contributing to Leipzig’s bid for success over the season, and Gvardiol would complete the move to Chelsea.
