Chelsea are among a 'handful of clubs' showing interest in RB Leipzig's talented defender Josko Gvardiol ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window. According to a report from 90Min, the Blues are just 'keeping tabs' on the 20-year-old at this stage.
Gvardiol played 45 times in all competitions across the 2021/22 season for Leipzig after joining last summer for around £17million from Dinamo Zagreb. In that time, the Croatian centre-back has established himself as one of European football's most exciting defensive prospects.
Back over two months ago, the Leipzig defender was quick to rubbish any speculation over his future and insisted he was happy playing his football at the Red Bull Arena. "I really enjoy every day with this great team at this first-class club," Gvardiol said to BILD via Buli News.
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"I don't think about anything else. And if you ask me if I will play here next year: Yes, of course."
Last week, a report from Croatia claimed that Gvardiol's father flew to London recently to discuss a possible move with Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel. The Leipzig centre-back has reportedly been eyed as a perfect replacement for Antonio Rudiger, who looks set to join Real Madrid in the very near future.
Gvardiol is a left-footed centre-back who is very comfortable when in possession. So from that point of view, he may be the ideal option to replace Rudiger on the left-hand side of a back-three.
Chelsea have also been linked with several other central defenders. football.london understands Pau Torres has been watched on numerous occasions in recent times, and likewise Gleison Bremer of Torino.
Jules Kounde remains on Chelsea's radar and was recently spotted walking around in London. The Blues are firm favourites to land the signature of the Sevilla defender.
Despite this, it looks as if two centre-backs may be needed for the perfect transfer window at Stamford Bridge. With Andreas Christensen also set to leave west London, it could be a very busy window in terms of incomings for Chelsea.
