Chelsea face serious competition from Real Madrid for the signing of Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the Croatian defender despite spending over a £100million on defensive recruitments in the summer.
football.london understands Chelsea hold a long-term interest in Gvardiol dating back to before he joined Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb. The Blues are set to complete the signing of Gvardiol's current teammate Christopher Nkunku next summer in a £52million deal.
The young defender enjoyed a strong World Cup campaign with Croatia, helping them reach the semi-finals and eventually finish third in the tournament. Leipzig are said to be holding out for a world record fee for their star defender who has hinted a possible move to Madrid in the future.
READ MORE: Four World Cup stars return to Chelsea training ahead of Premier League restart vs Bournemouth
Speaking to Relevo, the Croatian defender said: "Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, so who knows. Maybe one day I can play there." When asked whether he would like to play for Madrid one day in his career, Gvardiol responded: "I would like to, yes.
"Real Madrid, there's no need [to learn about the club], I already know everything. I know it's the biggest club in the world and how important it is to be linked to such a team."
Chelsea will hope that they can hatch a plan to beat Madrid to his signature but the Spanish giants hold a secret weapon of their own. Mateo Kovacic lined up alongside Gvaridol throughout the tournament in Qatar, but it's Luka Modric who may be able to convince the 20-year-old to join Madrid ahead of the Blues.
The Mirror reports that Chelsea may launch their bid for the player in January as they look to steal a march on Madrid. Los Blancos are planning on making their move in the summer transfer window and the Blues believe they can put pressure on the Spanish giants in the transfer battle with an early bid in the new year.
The report adds that the west Londoners have already spoken to the Croatian defender's agents about a potential deal with a three-and-a-half-year contract believed to be on the table. Madrid have not yet got that far but do plan to offer a four-year stay starting in the summer.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea can sign £1.7m transfer bargain in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang repeat and see off Arsenal
Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea transfer 'confirmed' as forward signs deal before January
What Christopher Nkunku has said on Chelsea transfer as deal 'confirmed' ahead of 2023 move
Todd Boehly Chelsea plan given boost as Kai Havertz completes historic feat for Blues
World Cup star can help Chelsea seal Todd Boehly's dream Declan Rice transfer with West Ham move
