Timo Werner has given his backing for Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol. The 20-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a move collapsed after he penned a new five-year deal with RB Leipzig.
football.london understands that the Blues still hold an interest in the Croatia international, though the German giants do not want to sell the defender. But after impressing for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, interest has grown, so retaining Gvardiol's services could prove to be a difficult task with a number of top European clubs eyeing a move.
One of whom is believed to be Real Madrid. According to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, the Spanish giants have held two meetings with Leipzig and are ready to pay €120million (£106million) including bonuses for the Croatian's signature.
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The report states that Chelsea were in fact the first club to submit an official bid for Gvardiol, with an offer in the region of €80million (£70.5million). Pedulla states that Manchester City outbid the Blues with a €90million (£79.5million) bid - but both of the Premier League clubs' proposals were rejected.
It's said that Gvardiol is 'inclined' to join Los Blancos and is prepared to accept a lower annual wage to facilitate a move. Pedulla adds that Real Madrid told the defender he would earn €6million (£5.3million) plus bonuses a season, 'significantly less' than the €9million (£7.9million) offered by Chelsea.
It remains to be seen where Gvardiol's future lies but, after Werner's latest endorsement of his teammate, the west Londoners could be inclined to increase their reported bid. Speaking to German outlet Bild, the former Chelsea striker explained what it's like training with the youngster.
"So it’s not fun! He can shoot left and right, pass, cross and hit diagonal balls," Werner said. "I don’t know what he can’t do. He’s very fast and at only 20 years old has a body like I’ve never seen before.
"What I find most important about him: he is incredibly friendly, polite, down-to-earth and therefore completely clear-headed. I can understand why everyone wants him."
Earlier this month, Todd Boehly was reassured that Gvardiol will join Chelsea. Speaking to Calcio Mercato, intermediary Vincenzo Cavaliere said: "In my opinion, yes [Gvardiol is worth €100million (£88.2million)].
"A player’s valuation is directly proportional to how much a club is willing to pay for him, and with the prices at which certain players get away, I’d say yes. Gvardiol is 20 years old, he’s a regular in a big club like Leipzig and in the Croatian national team, third in the world. I think he eventually goes to Chelsea."
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