Chelsea submit £77m bid to sign Bundesliga star and begin ‘advanced talks’ with his club
Chelsea are in ‘advanced talks’ with RB Leipzig over the signing of Josko Gvardiol after submitting a £77.3million bid for him, according to a reliable source.
Gvardiol came through the Dinamo Zagreb academy before gaining promotion to their senior side in July 2019. He went on to play 52 times for the Croatian outfit, scoring four goals, before Leipzig came in for his signature last summer.
As per transfermarkt, Leipzig spent around £16.9million to take the centre-back to Germany.
Gvardiol made 46 appearances for Leipzig last term, helping them to win the DFB-Pokal for the first time in their history.
However, his spell at the Red Bull Arena could be limited to just one campaign. That’s because Chelsea want to land Gvardiol to bolster their defensive options.
The Blues are on the verge of announcing Wesley Fofana’s arrival from Leicester City. He will cost £75m including add-ons, Fabrizio Romano claims.
The Frenchman has reportedly completed his medical and signed his new Chelsea contract. As such, he will be unveiled as their new signing on Wednesday.
But Chelsea are not done in the transfer market and want to capture Gvardiol too. Romano states they are in ‘advanced talks’ with Leipzig over the Croatia international.
Josko Gvardiol could arrive at Chelsea next year
The two clubs are discussing a permanent move, though Gvardiol would not arrive at Stamford Bridge immediately. He would spend the rest of the current season back on loan at Leipzig.
Chelsea have today (Tuesday) sent Leipzig an offer worth £77.3m (€90m) for him. This hasn’t been accepted, but it doesn’t seem to be far off his price tag. After all, the Bundesliga club are set to make a big profit on Gvardiol.
Chelsea’s priority right now is to strike a transfer agreement with Leipzig. Once this is out the way, they can focus on sorting out personal terms with Gvardiol and his agent.
Given the defender is just 20 years old, the potential £77.3m transfer fee will raise plenty of eyebrows. Gvardiol has just one season in a top-five European league under his belt.
Fofana is in a similar position. He is 21 and has made just 52 appearances for Leicester.
Having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Chelsea want to replace those centre-halves with youngsters.
This is a risky strategy, as Fofana and Gvardiol will be put under plenty of pressure once they arrive at Chelsea.
However, Thomas Tuchel will be getting two of the best young defenders in the world in his squad. Fofana and Gvardiol have both been very impressive over the last few years, while also gaining experience in European football.
Chelsea will be hoping Fofana can get off to a great start and learn from the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Thiago Silva. For Gvardiol, the Blues will want him to enjoy another top year with Leipzig before moving to west London next summer.
Meanwhile, a Chelsea midfielder has been told to leave the club amid a £27m bid arriving for his signature.
