“They asked me” – Chelsea ace opens up on club’s failed pursuit of Bundesliga ace

Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic opens up on failed Josko Gvardiol pursuit

Speaking in the player’s press conference ahead of the game against Dinamo Zagreb (h/t Football.London), Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic spoke about the club’s pursuit of signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, his hopes regarding this signing in the future and his contribution.

Chelsea were interested in signing Gvardiol earlier in the summer transfer window, but could not agree on a deal to do so. Then, later in the window, they tried for a deal that could make the player join the west London club next summer, but that did not materialise as well.

It is claimed that the Blues’ attempts to sign the 20-year-old are not over yet. They may go back for him in January, this time facing competition from English champions Manchester City.

Speaking about the pursuit and his role regarding this deal, here’s Kovacic (h/t Football.London):

At the club, they asked me about Josko, I told them all the best. I don’t need to say anything about his football, they know what kind of player he is, and his character is excellent.

I have seen in the national team how eager he is to play, he has a great career ahead of him, and I hope that one day we will play together in the club.

Gvardiol signed for Leipzig last summer after spending a few years at Dinamo Zagreb, where he was being nurtured as a player in the youth academy. He is a Croatian international now and an experienced player on the European stage.

Predominantly a centre-back, the 20-year-old can slot in as a left-back and do a good job there. Last season, his first at Leipzig, the Croatian played 46 games in all competitions, mostly as a centre-back, scoring two goals and assisting three.

Everything about his game appeals to the fact that he is going to get better and become a superstar very soon. No wonder clubs like Manchester City are also interested in him.

Chelsea should use the influence of his international teammate Kovacic to make the player choose them instead of anybody else. If that is going to happen, remains to be seen.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea injury and return dates ahead of Champions League opener
• Ross Barkley joins Nice following termination of Chelsea contract
• Chelsea name 24-player squad for the UEFA Champions League

The Blues did add Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana to their central defensive department in the summer. Having more options there would be good though, especially young ones as Thiago Silva isn’t getting any younger.