Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly been in personal contact with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, with Manchester City and Tottenham also looking to sign the Croatian international.
According to Sport1 via GGFN, the German coach recently phone called the Bundesliga star in an attempt to convince the Bundesliga prodigy about a potential move to Chelsea, with the Blues being heavily linked with Gvardiol this summer.
The 20-year-old defender is regarded by many as one Europe’s top centre-back prospects, and as a result, Leipzig are eager to retain Gvardiol for the upcoming season, with the German giants reportedly valuing the youngster at an astronomical £80m.
With Chelsea’s manager now being in contact with Gvardiol, there’s a chance that the former Dinamo Zagreb star could force Leipzig to sell him this summer, which could lower his price tag as we head into the final month of the transfer window.
Indeed, it’s not just Chelsea that are interested in signing Gvardiol, with both City and Tottenham also reportedly eyeing the 20-year-old prospect, with Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte also seemingly well aware of the Croat’s incredible potential as a world-class player.
Whilst City and Tottenham could be ideal destinations for Gvardiol, Chelsea’s current situation and their eagerness to sign the youngest makes the Blues the ideal landing spot, with Todd Boehly potentially open to paying Leipzig’s asking price.
Chelsea should risk £80m gamble to sign Gvardiol
Signing any player for £80m is always a massive risk for any club, but for Chelsea and what they need this summer, Gvardiol could be worth the risk despite the historic transfer fee potentially on the cards.
After all, Gvardiol is probably the best and most exciting left-sided defensive prospect in world football, and for Chelsea, the Croatian could be the club’s starting centre-back for the next decade if everything goes to plan.
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