Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol in action for RB Leipzig. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
According to Sport Witness (h/t football.london), RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol could soon join Chelsea. This would allow Cesar Azpilicueta to leave the club.
Azpilicueta is linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, with Barcelona the preferred destination. This would only be possible if Gvardiol joins as the report claims. Chelsea are said to be targeting three centre-backs this summer, having already signed one in Kalidou Koulibaly.
Gvardiol joined Leipzig last season from Dinamo Zagreb. Within one year of his debut in the Bundesliga, he has garnered the attention of quite a few clubs from across Europe. He enjoyed a phenomenal first season with the German outfit, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Europa League and winning the DFB-Pokal.
The 20-year-old Croatian enjoyed a good spell in the league too where he scored and assisted two goals apiece in 29 league appearances, helping his side finish fourth on the table and qualify for next season’s Champions League. A young player with huge playing experience, he would be an ideal signing for Thomas Tuchel.
Gvardiol should not face much difficulty in adjusting to Chelsea’s tactics as he is already experienced in playing with a back three at Leipzig. A left-footed centre-back, he could play on the left side of the back three. Apart from this, he can also play as a left-back when required.
Tuchel has started fixing the hole in his defence by signing Koulibaly. The Blues are also said to be interested in Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe. Gvardiol is young and full of potential. If signed, he could play for the Chelsea backline for years to come.
Having already proved his talent and worth in the Bundesliga, Tuchel would be wise to bring such a talented player to the Premier League. Koulibaly and Thiago Silva are the only senior centre-backs on the team and both of them are over 30. Gvardiol could also become his possible replacement in the future, helping the club kill two birds with one stone.
It remains to be seen though if Chelsea makes a move for him. If they want him, they should make a move before he commits himself to Leipzig or potentially joins another rival club. The Blues fans would love to have such an up-and-coming defender in their club.
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