Barcelona are considering making an approach for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who is also a target for Chelsea.
According to Fichajes, Barcelona are taking a strong interest in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol and could make an attempt to secure his services. The Croatian defender has been in excellent form and could ignite a bidding war among his suitors.
Barcelona have invested pretty significantly as part of a summer overhaul in the new reign. They activated a few economic levers in the summer to keep themselves at par with the other European biggies due to their awful financial condition.
The Blaugrana managed to get away by injecting fresh new funds into the setup, but that change has not been reflected in their on-field performance. Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League this month, and it could have severe implications on the monetary prospect as it stands.
The Catalan giants claimed the top spot in La Liga following their win over Almeria in La Liga. But Real Madrid are expected to topple Barcelona when they take on Rayo Vallecano on Monday.
Barcelona’s defence is short on numbers following the retirement of Gerard Pique. The Spaniard announced his retirement and played his last game as the Blaugrana got the better of Almeria. Pique’s departure will create a void and with Ronald Araujo also missing from action, they will likely go bold in the transfer market in search of a proper defender who could elevate their level.
Chelsea have also looked at the possibility of bringing in Gvardiol, and the Blues will be tempted to make him an offer which he cannot refuse. The west Londoners reportedly have a pre-contract in place for Gvardiol’s teammate Christopher Nkunku and could also attract both players. But Chelsea will need to pay a substantial sum, given the former’s current contractual situation.
Gvardiol ranks amongst the best defenders in the European circuit, and Leipzig won’t feel the urge to cash in on him having only signed the player last year. Barcelona’s current financial situation won’t permit them to splash the amount of money Leipzig need. And unless they make any grand changes, Chelsea will remain favourites to land the player in near future.
