RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol has been linked with Chelsea and Liverpool over a possible move in the summer transfer window.
A report from CaughtOffside claims that clubs like Chelsea and Liverpool are keen on signing 21-year-old Croatian international defender Josko Gvardiol. But they will have to pay a record fee for a defender in order to sign the player.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Gvardiol, a target for several top clubs, will become the most expensive centre-back ever. And he is likely to cost more than €80 million.
“At the moment I’m aware of Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool being in the race for Josko Gvardiol, but it’s still March and nothing is agreed, so we have to keep the race open. I think Gvardiol will become the most expensive centre back ever, more than €80m fee.”
The 21-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best young defenders in the world. And he has proven his quality in the Bundesliga and in the recently concluded World Cup. The Croatian international helped his country reach the semi-finals of the tournament, and he put on splendid displays in crucial games.
Gvardiol would be an excellent acquisition for Chelsea if they manage to secure his services. The Blues will have to bring in an upgrade on players like Kalidou Koulibaly who have failed to deliver since coming into the club.
With Thiago Silva in his twilight years, Chelsea will have to bring in a world-class defender who can lead their defence for the foreseeable future. The 21-year-old Croatian international certainly fits the profile, and he has the ability to justify the reported outlay as well. Chelsea certainly have the finances to pay a world-record fee for a defender to sign him. And it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Co-owner Todd Boehly has been extremely active in the transfer market since taking over at Stamford Bridge. And the Blues have brought in a number of big-money signings including World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez during the January transfer window. Chelsea signed Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk for a significant sum of money as well.
It remains to be seen whether the Blues are now prepared to break the bank for the Croatian international. They are likely to face competition from other clubs as well. But Chelsea have more resources compared to the likes of Liverpool. And that could give them an edge in the transfer race.
Liverpool need to bring in upgrades on Joel Matip and Joe Gomez as well. Gvardiol would be quite a coup if they manage to pull it off.
