Union Berlin set to pip Chelsea to 25-year-old Croatian international

Chelsea target Josip Juranovic closing in on Union Berlin move

According to popular Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea target Josip Juranovic is closing in on a move to Union Berlin from Celtic with the deal said to be in the final stages.

The Blues had been linked with the Croatian international quite prominently after the conclusion of the World Cup in the aftermath of the injury to Reece James but all that has died down in recent weeks.

Now, Chelsea are set to miss out on the talented Croatian as he is closing in on a move to Union Berlin. It is a reward for his exceptional performances in the World Cup but with all respect to the German club, he deserved a much bigger move.

Croatia had a very good 2022 FIFA World Cup. The eventual bronze-medallists played some exciting football on their way to the semifinals where they lost to the eventual champions Argentina.

One of the key players for the nation was Juranovic. The right-back had a stellar World Cup constantly impressing with his ability to get forward at every given opportunity and causing havoc down the right wing.

As a byproduct of his sensational performances at the tournament, Juranovic’s name got linked to a number of big clubs like Chelsea, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. However, all that fizzled out very quickly.

Chelsea seem to be on the lookout for a backup to Reece James. As good as the English international is, he has struggled with injuries far too often for the Blues to rely on him.

Juranovic would have fit the bill perfectly. He would have loved to come to a club like Chelsea where he would gain a lot of prominence and would be a great tactical fit for Graham Potter.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea consider a player-swap deal between Kai Havertz and Dusan Vlahovic
• Chelsea enquire with Tottenham Hotspur for a swap deal involving Yves Bissouma and Hakim Ziyech
• Chelsea will not restart contract talks with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy

However, that does not look like happening and Juranovic will be hoping to catch the Bundesliga by storm with his performances. Let’s see how his career develops.