Chelsea have been labelled as favourites to land RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol should they activate his £97million release clause. The Croatian defender was one of the stand-out performers at the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and has been linked with a big-money move to the Premier League.
The Blues have endured a hectic January transfer window this month with six signings added to Graham Potter’s squad, with close to £200m spent. Joao Felix, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk have been the stand-out additions with Benoit Badiashile also impressing in his first two appearances.
Todd Boehly has been tipped to make a late attempt to sign a new midfielder before the window slams shut next Tuesday, with the area of the field desperate for bodies on the back of N'Golo Kante's lengthy absence.
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However, as portrayed with their business this month, Chelsea will have one eye on the summer ahead to ensure the club are back at the top of the Premier League table next season. Minus Felix, every signing made offers longevity with long contracts secured to ensure a similar case to Kante and Jorginho - whose deals run out this summer - doesn't occur again.
One player who has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Bundesliga defender Gvardiol. The 21-year-old is considered one of the top defensive talents in Europe and has been monitored by Real Madrid.
Gvardiol was tipped to join the club after the World Cup, but his €110m (£97m) release clause, as reported by Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, struck a problem for the Blues, resulting in Badiashile being snapped up for around £35m. However, amid links with Tottenham and Manchester United, Chelsea have been backed as favourites to sign the Croatian, should they cough up his expensive price tag.
That's according to German journalist Christian Falk, who told GiveMeSport: "I would say Chelsea would be favourites if they pay that amount, and also Tottenham can hope, but it's really expensive."
Despite the recent influx of talent in defence in SW6, the position is likely to need further focus due to Cesar Azpilicueta's age and Kalidou Koulibaly's difficult time in England. Gvardiol will be hoping to steer Leipzig to the Champions League in the second half of the season before earning a move to one of Europe's best.
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