Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Josko Gvardiol as a potential Plan B as Jules Kounde could be closing in on a move to Chelsea.
According to Gerard Romero (h/t Barça Universal), Barcelona have set their sights on RB Leipzig and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol as a potential alternative for primary target Jules Kounde.
Barcelona are in the market to sign another centre-back this summer despite already signing Andreas Christensen on a free transfer from Chelsea. And Kounde has been their priority target, with the 23-year-old French ace also believed to be keen on a move to Camp Nou. However, things have changed rapidly over the past 24 hours as Chelsea are closing in on the capture of the defender.
Chelsea and Sevilla are reportedly closing in on an agreement over the transfer of Kounde, leaving Barcelona high and dry and on the lookout for a Plan B. And as per the report, the Catalan heavyweights have already drafted a five-man shortlist as potential alternatives for Kounde, with Josko Gvardiol among them.
Gvardiol joined RB Leipzig only last summer and has impressed heavily with his performances in his debut season in Bundesliga. The 20-year-old is a modern-day defender with ball-playing abilities and has the physicality and the defensive nous to back it up as well.
The former Dinamo Zagreb ace also has ten caps for the Croatian international team, with his progress attracting interest from clubs across Europe. Interestingly, Chelsea, who are close to signing Kounde, were also linked with a move for Gvardiol, while Barcelona have now entered the race for the young defender.
With Clement Lenglet joining Tottenham on loan and Samuel Umtiti headed for the exit doors, Barcelona could use the presence of a left-footed centre-half in their squad for the upcoming season.
However, signing the 20-year-old will be difficult for Barcelona as Gvardiol is contracted with RB Leipzig until the summer of 2026. With five years left on his deal, the German giants can demand a significant fee for his services. Apart from Gvardiol, Barcelona are also looking at Arsenal youngster William Saliba and Milan Skriniar of PSG, among others.
