Chelsea pursuit takes turn as defensive target admits he’d ‘like it’ if he could play for European giant

Chelsea’s pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol has taken a turn, as he has admitted he would “like it” if he could play for a European giant.

Gvardiol has been linked with a few different sides over the past year. Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool have all been credited with interest.

However, it is Chelsea who have been the most frequently-linked side. The Blues held talks with Leipzig over a transfer for the centre-back in the summer.

In fact, they even reportedly bid for him, though that was turned down.

It has been stated that a move from Leipzig after just one season was too soon, hence him remaining. However, it appears Gvardiol is now more properly prepared for a big transfer.

That has shown in his performances for both club and country. Indeed, the defender has hardly missed a game for Leipzig this season in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.

However, it is in the World Cup for Croatia that he has really shown his class. Gvardiol has played every minute of his country’s campaign so far.

There has been just one goal conceded by Croatia in that time. What’s more, they held Belgium to a 0-0 draw in their final group game, which put them out of the tournament, and sent Croatia through as group runners up.

Gvardiol keen to play for big hitters

Gvardiol’s stellar performances have got a lot of eyes on him. Indeed, there is already a lot of interest in the defender, with Chelsea still very heavily linked.

His performances at the World Cup and praise from his manager will surely lead to even more interest. Indeed, Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic referred to his centre-back as “the best central defender in the world”.

As such, it seems he could be soon to make a big move. Chelsea will, of course, hope that they are the side that manages to snare the 20-year-old.

However, they might find themselves in a battle with one of Europe’s biggest sides. Gvardiol has admitted how much he would like to play for Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to play there. I’d like it,” he told Relevo.

Gvardiol scored in Leipzig’s 3-2 Champions League win over the La Liga giants in October. As such, they might well have eyes on him.

While Real could have his Croatia teammate, Luka Modric, in his ear, Gvardiol admits he would not need to convince him into joining.

“Modric doesn’t have to tell me anything, not needed – I know how special is to be linked with Real Madrid,” he added.

With that being said, Real might have a simple route to a transfer for the defender, if they wanted to take it. That could be to the detriment of Chelsea, who are still keen on snaring the defender for themselves.

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