RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol could be at the centre of a major transfer bidding war in the summer with several European heavyweights tracking his situation. Chelsea attempted to sign the Croatia international last summer but saw their proposals rebuffed by Leizpig, who went on to agree a contract extension with Gvardiol until 2027.
Following Chelsea's January business, talk of Gvardiol linking up with his Leipzig teammate Christopher Nkunku, who is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2023/24 season, diminished. The Blues opted to solve their left-sided defensive woes in the winter trading period by signing Benoit Badiashile from AS Monaco in a £35million deal.
Despite that deal, there is still some interest from west London, but Chelsea likely find themselves at the back of the queue in comparison to the other teams heavily linked with signing the 21-year-old. Liverpool and Real Madrid appear as the frontrunners, with Gvardiol having openly admitted his love for both clubs.
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In a rather open interview with Croatian news outlet Danas, where his failed transfer to Chelsea was discussed, Gvardiol revealed there was a specific Premier League club he wanted to play for as a child.
"That would definitely be Liverpool. Since I was little, I watched a lot of Liverpool matches with my dad, and we covered every season in detail. It is a club that has remained in my heart," he said.
Speaking to Relevo, Gvardiol also expressed his desire to one day play for Los Blancos: "Madrid are the biggest club in the world, so who knows... maybe one day I could play there. I would like to play for that team, yes."
Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are also said to be in the race and chatter surrounding his future certainly reemerged after his goal against City in the Champions League for Leipzig, with Ben Jacobs providing a key update.
“Liverpool are tracking Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, who Chelsea almost pre-agreed a deal for last summer,” Jacobs said. "The Croatian scored against Manchester City in the Champions League and is attracting plenty of interest, including from Pep Guardiola’s side as well as Real Madrid and PSG.
"There is a £98m buyout clause, but it doesn’t become active until summer 2024. I am told Gvardiol wants a Premier League move and the notion he’s ‘picked’ Real is incorrect."
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