It was very late into the summer transfer window that Chelsea opted to pause their pursuit of Josko Gvardiol. There were no doubts over the young defender's ability or potential, it was largely because RB Leipzig continued to raise their asking price. On deadline day, it became apparent why.
Gvardiol signed a new contract with the Bundesliga side until 2027. “I am very grateful to those responsible at the club that they plan long-term with me and want to continue on this successful path with me," the Croatian said. Nice words but his decision to remain with Leipzig was one that very much delayed the inevitable.
That's because from the moment Gvardiol broke through into the Dinamo Zagreb side at 17 years old, he has been destined to play for a top European side. His physical presence coupled with an excellent reading of the ball and fine ball distribution makes him the ideal centre-back in the modern game.
READ MORE Two ways Chelsea can line-up against Aston Villa with key returns boosting Graham Potter choices
It's why Chelsea pushed hard in the summer – and why they are expected to push again come the January transfer window. The problem is the Blues are far from alone in their pursuit. The 20-year-old's performances at the World Cup for Croatia have led to an orderly queue of Champions League heavyweights being formed.
Manchester City have long had eyes on Gvardiol. Real Madrid and Barcelona now do to, according to reports in Spain. So Chelsea's path will be far from clear when they reopen talks with Leipzig, who the Blues do have a good relationship with following negotiations over deals for Timo Werner and Christopher Nkunku.
“It’s a big club of course and, who knows, maybe one day I will be there," said Gvardiol earlier this month when asked about a move to Stamford Bridge. "It’s really nice to see things like this, especially because there is [Mateo] Kovacic at the club, so you never know. I talk with him.”
Such a statement would be promising if Gvardiol hadn't also expressed a willingness to join international teammate Luka Modric at Real Madrid in an interview that quickly followed. “They are the biggest club in the world, so who knows, maybe one day I can play there. I would like to, yes." the Croatian admitted.
Chelsea's new ownership proved last summer they are prepared to spend big money to land key targets. That will be the case again in January if the right player becomes available. It's unlikely Leipzig part ways with Gvardiol mid-season given they remain in the Champions League. But one potential avenue could be to strike a deal that enables the defender to see out the campaign in Germany.
Chelsea spent big last summer to sign one young high potential centre-back: Wesley Fofana. Homegrown star Trevoh Chalobah has also been rewarded with a new long-term contract. Much effort was made to also ensure Levi Colwill didn't depart for Brighton permanently given his burgeoning reputation.
Bringing Gvardiol into that talent stable of young central defenders in the summer would certainly be a statement of intent from Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. But they are likely to have their work cut out in January with interest is building. The race that was paused in the summer is firmly back on. Now it's simply harder.
READ NEXT:
Full Chelsea 25-man squad for Abu Dhabi training camp confirmed amid N'Golo Kante decision
Chelsea face extra £41m bill to complete 'best midfielder in the world' transfer
Raheem Sterling robbery details as Chelsea star 'has £300,000 jewellery stolen' during World Cup
Chelsea can sign the 'next Frank Lampard' as Todd Boehly faces Liverpool and Man City battle
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
