Chelsea have been on the hunt for countless defenders this summer following the double departure of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. So far, the Blues have signed Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella – with the announcement of Wesley Fofana from Leicester City imminent.
Another name that has been mentioned constantly is Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig. The German club only signed the Croatia international last summer but he is still being consistently linked with a move away from the Red Bull Arena.
So, with all of this being said, football.london rounds up the very latest transfer rumours surrounding the 20-year-old central defender.
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Chelsea in 'advanced talks'
According to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are in 'advanced talks' with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign Gvardiol. He said the deal would be completed now but he would stay at Leipzig for the season and come to the Blues next summer.
The fee discussed is understood to be €90million (£77m). However, a deal is not quite closed and negotiations are still ongoing.
Leipzig chief deals blow
RB Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff, speaking after the rumours of advanced talks between the club and Chelsea, played down the speculation. Mintzlaff said that he assumed Gvardiol would be playing with the club for another two seasons at least.
He said: "Josko is a great player who will certainly arouse a lot of interest – but he still has a contract with us until 2026. We assume that he will not only play with us this season, but also next season too."
Tottenham interest
According to Nabil Djellit, via The Sun, Tottenham are interested in Gvardiol, who were taken back by his fine season last time around. Antonio Conte is said to be a huge admirer of the Croatian.
Spurs were in the market for a new central defender but the north Londoners then signed Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona. It does mention, however, that Spurs are long-term admirers of Gvardiol.
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