The father of RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol, Timohir, has reportedly already held discussions with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel regarding a potential transfer this summer. The Blues are keen to sign defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both set to depart the club when their contracts expire next month.
Gvardiol is one of many defenders who have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. And according to Croatian publication 24Sata, the Leipzig star’s father flew to London to discuss a potential move with Tuchel.
Chelsea are reportedly preparing a bid of €50million (approximately £42m) for the 20-year-old Croatia international, whose contract at the Red Bull Arena runs until the summer of 2026. Gvardiol is left-footed, comfortable at playing the ball out of defence and experienced at playing on the left of Leipzig’s back-three; making him an ideal replacement for Rudiger.
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Gvardiol was previously close to sealing a move to Leeds United but spurned the opportunity to move to the Premier League, opting to ply his trade at Leipzig instead. His agent Andy Bara confirmed to Calciomercato in 2020 that his client favoured a move to Germany for footballing, rather than financial reasons, he said: "True, he had an offer from Leeds but he chose Leipzig for the sporting project.
"Economically the offers were practically the same." With four years remaining on Gvardiol’s contract and reports suggesting that his deal doesn’t contain a release clause, Leipzig are in a strong position in terms of negotiating a fee.
However, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia is believed to have impressed Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff during discussions for the transfer of Timo Werner two years ago, which may offer hope that the two parties can reach a deal.
