Chelsea have been handed an update in the race for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol's signature, with the 20-year-old not having a release clause of €45million (£38.6million) as previously reported.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Croatian will get a big transfer in 2023 with Chelsea working on a deal. Meanwhile, other clubs are also reportedly interested with the Blues' London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham both previously linked with the youngster.
It is understood that Todd Boehly had made a move for Gvardiol in the summer ahead of the 20-year-old joining the following season, however nothing materialised but that hasn't stopped the west London outfit from making a second attempt to swoop for the highly sought after defender.
READ MORE: Chelsea can repeat Kai Havertz World Cup impact as Graham Potter must harness Germany anger
Gvardiol's stock will certainly be rising amid his stellar displays at the World Cup with the centre-back's Croatia qualifying for the round of 16 after finishing second in Group F behind Morocco and ahead of Belgium and Canada.
Against Belgium was the 20-year-old particularly impressive as the 2018 World Cup finalists shut out the Red Devils in a 0-0 draw, seeing them progress to the knockout stages and sending their European counterparts home in the process.
The Leipzig defender has played in all three of Croatia's group matches thus far and will therefore be expected to start Croatia's round of 16 clash against Japan on Monday.
Gvardiol's club teammate Christopher Nkunku seems likely to be headed to Stamford Bridge in the summer with the Frenchman signing a pre-contract agreement, as understood by football.london, and the Croatian has previously made comments whilst out in Qatar that could suggest he could follow his fellow Leipzig man.
Speaking to The Athletic after Croatia's 0-0 draw with Belgium, the 20-year-old said: "It [Chelsea]’s a big club of course and, who knows, maybe one day I will be there. It’s really nice to see things like this, especially because there is [Mateo] Kovacic, so you never know. I talk with him.
"Even to be here on this, the biggest event, it’s a big thing for me at 20 years old so I’m happy. I have to think about it."
READ NEXT:
Christian Pulisic sends positive message amid injury diagnosis and return date after USA victory
Chelsea told how to hijack Tottenham transfer for Antonio Conte favourite in Jude Bellingham ploy
Chelsea target Rafael Leao indicates future plan as Todd Boehly faces familiar transfer problem
