Chelsea have found their replacement for Antonio Rudiger after Thomas Tuchel confirmed the 29-year-old's eventual departure from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. The Blues have identified RB Leipzig defender Joško Gvardiol as a target ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.
The 20-year-old defender has enjoyed an exciting breakthrough season, featuring 42 times for the German side in all competitions across the backline. Gvardiol's sparkling performances have seen him grow into a staple in the Croatia national team, emerging as one of Europe's most bright youngsters.
The report outlines that the centre-half - who is valued at £75.7 million to £100.1m by CIES Football Observatory - has no release clause amid the west London side's interest. Gvardiol is reportedly 'totally happy' in Germany as it stands and Chelsea are yet to have made direct contact with the player's management regarding a move.
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Sky Sports add that the Croatian defender has been shortlisted as direct replacement for Rudiger, who's leaving Chelsea in the coming months. However, while Gvardiol has shown striking similarities to the Germany international in recent months, his former coach at both Dinamo and in the Croatia youth set-up has compared him to Thiago Silva.
"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 next season, has featured 76 times for Chelsea since arriving on a free from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020. The Brazil international has grown into a pivotal piece of Tuchel's puzzle, gluing the Blues' defence together.
However, Silva will turn 38 ahead of next season. Though the Brazilian has defied his critics and aged like a fine wine, he won't be a fixture in the Blues' long-term future. Chelsea signing the 'next Silva' in Gvardiol comes at the perfect time.
