Chelsea are optimistic about agreeing on a deal with RB Leipzig for Josko Gvardiol and bringing the defender in 2023.
According to 90min, Chelsea continue to push in their efforts to sign Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. The Blues are looking to strike a deal with the Bundesliga side earlier than necessary and get ahead for the £45 million-rated defensive target.
Chelsea could strike big deals in the coming transfer windows as Todd Boehly wants a few exciting names in the market. One of the priorities for the west London club is bringing in defensive targets, while there are plenty of quality attacking names linked as well.
Boehly is taking a unique approach to tie up moves earlier than usual. For instance, Chelsea reportedly have an agreement for Christopher Nkunku. The Blues have reportedly agreed to trigger the Frenchman’s release clause. Such a move allows them to structure payment terms than making a single payment.
Chelsea are targeting a similar move to sign Josko Gvardiol, who is available for £45 million. The Croat has been a solid presence for his country at the FIFA World Cup and helped them qualify for the knockout rounds. His displays have continued to attract some of the top clubs around the continent.
Joško Gvardiol's game by numbers vs. Belgium:
95% pass accuracy
76 touches
9 clearances (most)
8 x possession won
6 x possession won def ⅓
6 passes into final ⅓
3 duels won
2 tackles made
1 take-on completed
1 chance created
1 clean sheet
0 x dribbled past20 years old. 🥶 pic.twitter.com/133ct3AZor
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 1, 2022
Gvardiol is reportedly open to joining Chelsea. The 20-year-old was the subject of a massive bid from Chelsea late in the summer but the Blues could not agree on a deal. They were willing to shell out significant sums to get an agreement for a future move.
Leipzig extended his contract by another year and included a £45 million release clause that will become active in the summer. Much like Chelsea’s strategy with Nkunku, they are willing to pay over the odds and have an agreement in place now than fight off competition later.
The question remains how much they are willing to pay for the £45 million-rated defensive target. As things stand, signing a left-footed centre-back is a priority for the Blues, who remain linked with several other players. The arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly was more of a short-term fix than long-term planning; hence, the need for a new player remains at Chelsea.
Gvardiol is also a target for Liverpool and Manchester City. But the lure of Chelsea could prove challenging for the player to turn down. The Blues are about to continue with Gvardiol and Nkunku, as they have other big-name targets to trail.
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is another name on Boehly’s list, alongside many others. While Chelsea struggled before the World Cup break, the American owner will hope for an upturn in form as qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Doing so would prove vital to bring these notable names on board.
