Graham Potter has been told why Chelsea must complete the transfer of RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol. The 20-year-old defender was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but after penning a five-year extension with the German giants late into the window, a move failed to materialise.
A release clause was included in Gvardiol's contract, which is thought to be around £43.6million, according to The Telegraph. And it's said that the Blues are interested in finally wrapping up a move for the Croatia international, who is considered one of Europe's most exciting young players.
Gvardiol is a left-footed, versatile defender who has earned a reputation for exceptional composure and ability to progress the ball through the thirds from deep - the epitome of an all-encompassing modern centre-back. And while he's shown striking similarities to Antonio Rudiger in recent times, the youngster's former coach at both Dinamo Zagreb and in the Croatia youth set-up has compared him to Thiago Silva.
MORE: Premier League consider transfer rule change set to affect Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham plans
"His tremendous self-confidence, strong leadership traits and courage all remind me of Thiago Silva," Tomislav Rukavina said when speaking to Goal in 2020. "Gvardiol is one of the young players who, I am sure, will be one of the most important players of the national team for a long time.
"He is extremely strong, fast, agile and durable. He has excellent jump timing and excellent heading technique. He has a developed sense of the game, excellent perception of situations and timely response to what's happening on the pitch. Given his youth, there is a lot of room for improvement in terms of tactics still, as there is for improving technical characteristics."
Silva, who sees his deal at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of the season, has featured 90 times for Chelsea since arriving on a free from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020. The Brazil international has grown into a huge fixture in the side, often glueing the Blues defence together.
But, all things must come to an end. While the 38-year-old has defied critics and aged like a fine wine, it will only be so long until the veteran needs replacing by no fault of his own. So, Chelsea signing the 'next Silva' in the form of Gvardiol comes at the perfect time.
READ NEXT:
Graham Potter has been told why Thiago Silva has to start for Chelsea against Crystal Palace
Kalidou Koulibaly reveals intriguing reason for making Chelsea star a better player
Graham Potter slammed for shock Raheem Sterling use ahead of Crystal Palace vs Chelsea
Graham Potter's Chelsea targets established with Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte example
