Chelsea are considering alternative options to RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol ahead of the January transfer window. Gvardiol enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign with Croatia which saw his stock rise significantly.
The Blues have already raided Leipzig for their star striker Christopher Nkunku with the French forward set to complete a move to Stamford Bridge next summer, football.london understands. Todd Boehly is prepared to pay Nkunku's £52million release clause after he completed a medical and agreed personal terms earlier this year.
Gvardiol is considered to be one of the top defensive talents in Europe and the 20-year-old has already hinted at a potential move to Real Madrid in the future. Leipzig are thought to want a fee in the region of £78million for their star defender which could now see the Blues move for cheaper alternatives.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly told why Chelsea must secure Josko Gvardiol £78m transfer ahead of Real Madrid
Reports have suggested that the Blues are keen on signing a new left-sided centre-back despite completing deals for Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in the summer transfer window. Benoit Badiashile, Evan Ndicka and Piero Hincapie have all been tipped to be on Chelsea's radar, but there is one deal that looks set to be completed before talks begin for a defender.
Ndicka has previously been tipped to join Arsenal or Tottenham for as little as £7million with the French defender's contract set to expire at the end of the season. A report from the Evening Standard revealed that the Frenchman's situation is being monitored by a number of clubs, including Juventus and the Gunners.
Eintracht Frankfurt are thought to prefer receiving a transfer fee for their star defender rather than lose him for free at the end of the season. The 23-year-old can play at left-back or centre-back making him a brilliant option, especially in Graham Potter's system as he tends to rotate between a five-man defence and four at the back.
Ndicka has previously stated his intentions to reach a similar level to that of Manchester United star Raphael Varane. The 23-year-old said: "I like the way Raphael Varane plays. Or Adil Rami. I watch them. Getting close to this standard wouldn't be that bad for me.
"From nothing, comes nothing. If you want to achieve something, you have to invest something. You have to make sacrifices - like everything in life if you want to get ahead."
Ndicka could prove to be a smart signing in January if Boehly does not want to invest huge money and gamble on completing a move for Gvardiol, when he can sign the French defender at a fraction of the price it would cost to sign the Leipzig star.
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