Chelsea reportedly lead the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, a target for Real Madrid, at the end of the season.
A report from MARCA, as relayed by Sport Witness, claims that Spanish giants Real Madrid are looking to sign Josko Gvardiol. But Chelsea apparently lead the race to land the 20-year-old centre-back.
The RB Leipzig defender has made quite a name for himself with his performances at the club level and on the international stage. The 20-year-old was one of the best defenders at the recently concluded World Cup, and he could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for Chelsea.
Chelsea are looking to replace veteran defenders like Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva in the coming seasons. And they need to sign a mercurial talent like Gvardiol. It will be interesting to see if the Blues can beat the competition from Real Madrid and secure the Croatian international’s signature at the end of the season.
The west Londoners have dealt with RB Leipzig in the past and have recently secured the deal to sign Christopher Nkunku from the German outfit. It remains to be seen whether the relationship between the two clubs can help Chelsea sign the 20-year-old.
The Croatian international is a prodigious talent who has all the tools to develop into a world-class defender. And a move to Chelsea could be the ideal next step in his career. He has already proven himself in the Bundesliga and will be hoping to test himself in the Premier League now.
A manager like Graham Potter could help nurture his talent and help him develop into a top-class player over the coming seasons. Chelsea certainly have the financial means to pay big money for the young defender. And co-owner Todd Boehly is expected to back Potter in the upcoming transfer windows with substantial funds.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid could use a quality centre-back as well. Gvardiol has the quality to play for a club like Real Madrid, and he could be a superb long-term investment for them. The Croat could be the ideal partner for Eder Militao at the heart of the Spanish club’s defence in the long run. But with Chelsea in the lead, it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid claw their way back.
