Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur

Premier League • England

Josko Gvardiol: Tottenham steal march on Chelsea with first step towards deal to replace Conte regular taken

RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol

Tottenham have made contact with RB Leipzig ace and Chelsea target, Josko Gvardiol, and his arrival would likely displace a regular starter under Antonio Conte.

Spurs have reacted quickly to wrap up three summer deals where the likes of Man Utd are yet to leave the blocks. Fraser Forster, Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma have all arrived. Today’s Transfer Gossip shed light on their Richarlison pursuit, including the substantially higher fee they may now have to pay Everton.

Elsewhere, a move for Djed Spence appears to have stalled, while the left centre-back position remains unaddressed.

However, according to a French source, Tottenham have taken the first step towards resolving the issue.

French journalist Nabil Djellit tweeted Tottenham have made contact with RB Leipzig regarding Josko Gvardiol.

His information was cited by both GetFrenchFootballNews and the Daily Mail who added weight to the story.

The 20-year-old Croatian enjoyed a superb maiden season in Germany after his £17m arrival from Dinamo Zagreb.

Gvardiol to succeed Ben Davies?

Gvardiol can operate at centre-back or left-back and the Mail claim he could be the ideal successor to Ben Davies at left centre-back in Antonio Conte’s back three.

He featured heavily in all competitions for Leipzig last season. Despite being just 20, he racked up extensive European experience and his appearance count for Croatia is already in double figures.

Tottenham had sought to sign Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni to displace Davies. However, the Italian now looks like he will stay put at the San Siro.

Chelsea are also in the frame amid their need to replace Antonio Rudiger – also at left centre-back. Leipzig will be hopeful the London rivals come together to spark a bidding war and all reports agree Gvardiol won’t come cheap anyway.

His current deal runs until 2026 and there is no release clause within his contract. The Mail conclude Leipzig are bracing themselves for ‘imminent bids’.

Left centre-back transfers in the spotlight

Aside from Chelsea and Tottenham, both Manchester United and Arsenal are known to be seeking left-footed additions at centre-half.

Both clubs are chasing Lisandro Martinez, while United have also drawn persistent links with Pau Torres.

The pool of elite, left-sided centre-backs in world football right now is a small one.

As such, premiums must be paid to land a reliable one, something Leipzig and the other potential sellers are all well aware of.