Chelsea lead the race to sign Josko Gvardiol following submission of an offer. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Foot Mercato (h/t Football.London), Chelsea are leading the race to sign Croatia international Josko Gvardiol following an official submission of an offer.
The Blues were linked with the RB Leipzig centre-back during the summer window as well, but a move did not materialise. They have been in the race to sign him since, with competition from Manchester City and Manchester United.
The current report states that an offer of £81m is tabled by Chelsea in order to quickly complete the deal ahead of the January transfer window.
It is also revealed that United have formalised their interest with a proposal of around £77m, while Pep Guardiola’s men are ready to outbid Chelsea with an offer of around 86m.
On the face of it, this seems like a transfer race that may go down to the wire in the upcoming weeks. Gvardiol has been one of the best defenders in the World Cup, which would increase his stakes and price tag to an extent.
The 20-year-old, who has had excellent performances against Belgium, Brazil and Japan, is preparing to face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the semi-final.
Chelsea are potentially looking for a long-term of Thiago Silva replacement, who is 38 now and may not go on forever, Moreover, his current deal at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer, with no agreement on an extension yet.
Gvardiol is a versatile defender who is chiefly a centre-back, but can also play as a left-back. He is one from the rare breeds of centre-backs who are left-footed.
Judging by the reports that are coming out, Chelsea would need to finalise their offer and get ready with the papers sooner rather than later. This could be a game-changing signature for them at the back, bearing the player’s age, quality and longevity in mind.
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