Chelsea have been told how they can beat Real Madrid to the signing of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian defender enjoyed a stellar World Cup campaign as he helped his nation reach the semi-finals.
Todd Boehly is keen to add further signings to Graham Potter's squad in the January transfer window with Gvardiol having been monitored by the club for some time, football.london understands. The Blues signed Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana in the summer, along with Marc Cucurella, who is able to play at centre-back when needed.
Gvardiol is considered to be one of the top defensive talents in Europe and has continued to perform brilliantly for Croatia. The 20-year-old defender has hinted at a potential move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the future after his stock grew during the World Cup.
READ MORE: Josko Gvardiol drops Real Madrid transfer hint as Todd Boehly aims to secure £78m Chelsea deal
The Blues have the best chance of signing Josko Gvardiol in the January transfer window, according to transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio. Speaking to soccernews.nl, the transfer insider said: “I know that Chelsea and Real Madrid are the two clubs that are showing the most interest at this moment.
“They already made offers. His price is going to be higher after this World Cup and probably Chelsea has the best possibility to do this deal in January, whereas Madrid prefers to do it during the summer. I know that the most important clubs in Europe are fighting for Gvardiol."
Chelsea were keen on signing the 20-year-old during the summer transfer window, but former RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff played down the speculation surrounding the young centre-back. Mintzlaff told BILD: "Josko is a great player who will certainly arouse a lot of interest – but he still has a contract with us until 2026."
Reports have suggested Leipzig are holding out for a huge fee worth around £78million if they are to allow Gvardiol to leave. The Blues spent over £100million on defensive reinforcements during the summer and may need to break the bank once again to sign the Croatia international if they are to beat Madrid to his signature.
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