Chelsea has its eye on a World Cup standout currently competing in Qatar.
According to rumors, Chelsea is intensifying its chase of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. Graham Potter reportedly saw the Croatia star as the ideal fit for his team, and a meeting is reportedly planned for after the World Cup.
Chelsea sought Gvardiol during the summer transfer window. Owner Todd Boehly spent £270 million on new players, but was unable to finalize a deal for the 20-year-old.
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His Leipzig teammate Christopher Nkunku is reportedly already poised to join Chelsea next summer. The Blues intend to exercise Nkunku’s release clause, which is estimated to be worth £53 million.
Additionally, Gvardiol might join him in west London. After the World Cup, a meeting will be held to discuss the center-back, according to transfer reporter Alfredo Pedulla.
According to reports, Chelsea and the player’s agents are in constant communication. Gvardiol didn’t think the transfer was right for him at the time, despite the Blues’ offer of £69 million to pay Leipzig in the summer.
Gvardiol, though, feels prepared to take that next step, according to Pedulla. Potter, the manager of Chelsea, has approved a transaction because he thinks the player would be a great addition to his squad.
Given that Gvardiol plays left-footed defense, either a back four or back three configuration would work for Potter. Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain are said to have expressed interest recently.
Chelsea, though, is ready to take any measure necessary to outbid any prospective rivals for his services. According to Pedulla, Chelsea wants to at least ensure that a contract is in place for Gvardiol to join in the coming summer.
In Croatia’s first two group stage games at the World Cup in Qatar, Gvardiol has excelled. He participated fully in both the win against Canada and the draw with Morocco.
Going into the last round of games on Thursday, Croatia is now in first place in Group F. However, they will probably need to win against Belgium in order to go to the round of 16.
They will advance to the elimination round with just a draw. However, the 2018 runners-up will be eliminated as soon as possible if Belgium wins and Morocco earns at least a point against bottom-place Canada.