Fabrizio Romano has told Give Me Sport that both Tottenham and Chelsea still want to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol – but any deal will be “difficult” with the German club under no intention ready to sell the Croatian.
Gvardiol, 20, joined Leipzig last summer and immediately became a mainstay under now-Leeds boss Jesse Marsch, and then Domenico Tedesco. He played 45 times in all competitions, helping keep 14 clean sheets and even scoring twice.
A left-footed centre-back, Gvardiol is capable of playing as a left-back or a centre-back in a back four, the middle or on the left of a back three. Perfect for what Antonio Conte wants, though Romano has placed doubt on a move.
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Indeed, he says a deal will be “difficult” to do given Leipzig do not want to sell him – and he has a contract until 2026. The widely-respected Italian journalist says it would take a “crazy offer” to tempt Leipzig into selling Gvardiol.
“Gvardiol’s always been super appreciated by Tottenham. Chelsea are big fans of Gvardiol. At the moment, Leipzig have no intention to negotiate for a normal fee. They want a crazy fee to let Gvardiol leave, so it will be difficult.”
Romano: Tottenham and Chelsea deal for Gvardiol will be ‘difficult’
Chelsea desperately need defensive reinforcements after losing Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger while Marcos Alonso could also depart. Gvardiol would ease that issue, and offer Chelsea a long-term resolution.
Spurs have options, but want competition for Ben Davies on the left of the back three – despite the Welshman being in the form of his life. They are supposedly close to signing Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet on a loan-to-buy deal.
Gvardiol is a top, top player – “built like a tank”. But the chances of getting him are thin. Both clubs are better off using their time to bring in other targets – and hope Leipzig ease towards the end of the window.
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