RB Leipzig have now approached Spezia over the transfer of Jakub Kiwior to replace Josko Gvardiol. Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have registered their interest in the Croatian.
That is according to Foot Mercato, which reports Die Roten Bullen are already preparing to replace from Gvardiol. Red Bull Arena chiefs are keen to have a plan in place for in case the World Cup star leaves in January. They also feel several options are on offer to sign Kiwior.
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But like Gvardiol, a host of rival suitors are also taking an interest in Kiwior after his strong World Cup. The 22-year-old played four times at Qatar 2022 with Poland and was already on AC Milan and Juventus’ radars. But Chelsea have now joined the hunt for his signature.
RB Leipzig are exploring Jakub Kiwior’s transfer to replace Josko Gvardiol in 2023
Chelsea recently met Kiwior’s agent in Milan as they strive to strengthen Graham Potter’s backline. But RB Leipzig hope to pip all rival suitors to a deal with Spezia, who value him at €25m (£22m). The nine-cap gem has emerged as the prime candidate to replace Gvardiol.
RB Leipzig could also look to sign Kiwior in January but agree for the Tychy-born enforcer to stay at Spezia until the summer. Die Roten Bullen would wait for his arrival if Gvardiol agrees to stay for the rest of the term. But they will want to agree terms with Spezia first.
Liverpool and Tottenham have already expressed their interest in Josko Gvardiol
So, RB Leipzig have now contacted Spezia to explore Kiwior replacing Gvardiol in January with Liverpool and Tottenham among the array of teams keen on the Croatian’s transfer. 90min reports the Premier League rivals have both expressed their interest in his services.
Manchester United and Real Madrid have also expressed an interest in Gvardiol’s transfer. But Chelsea, aware of their rivals, are confident they can win the race as they would target his signature in January. Most of the teams keen on Gvardiol want to wait for the summer.
Gvardiol has attracted an array of suitors after dazzling in Qatar as Croatia made the semi-finals. Paul Merson lauded the 20-year-old as a ‘very special’ prospect at the World Cup. It will also take a mammoth fee to coax the defender away from his Champions League side.
According to Alfredo Pedulla, Manchester City are willing to spend €130m (£115m) to sign Gvardiol. The Citizens would also offer the 19-cap gem a €12m-a-year (£205k-a/w) wage to edge Real Madrid. Los Blancos would pay €90m (£80m) and pay him €6m-a/y (£102k-a/w).
So, while Liverpool and Tottenham can see encouragement in RB Leipzig holding talks with Spezia over Kiwior, the Premier League rivals still face a fight to secure Gvardiol’s transfer.
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