Chelsea will look to sign Josko Gvardiol if their deals for either Jules Kounde or Presnel Kimpembe fail to materialise this summer, according to reports.
One of the Blues’ priorities for the transfer window has been to strengthen their defence ahead of the upcoming season, with the club short in numbers for the backline.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have already been working on such an objective, having completed the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli last week in a £34 million deal.
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Kounde was expected to be one of the first additions at the club this summer having been close to a move from Sevilla last year, but Chelsea are yet to have finalised a deal for the Frenchman.
They have also set their sights on Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Kimpembe, but a move is not yet expected to take place.
While the two aforementioned defenders are targets for Chelsea this summer, they may need to prepare to work on other options should any deals fall through.
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Such possibilities have led to the Evening Standard reporting that should they fail to sign either Kounde or Kimpembe, then the Blues will look towards Croatian international Gvardiol as an alternative.
It is believed that Tuchel wants the club to sign a further two centre-backs after the arrival of Koulibaly, having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in recent weeks.
While there is confidence that the World Champions will be able to secure either Kounde or Kimpembe, Gvardiol is believed to be a ‘perfect alternative’ for the club.
RB Leipzig would be reluctant to see the defender go, but they may be willing to sell should an ‘exceptional offer’ come in for him.
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The 20-year-old made 46 appearances for Leipzig last season, scoring two goals and providing three assists from centre-back.
He has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge since the start of the summer transfer window, with Chelsea keen to bolster their backline options.
They are said to be in advanced negotiations with Sevilla for Kounde, although Barcelona are also showing a heavy interest in the French international.
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Personal terms have already been agreed with the Blues, and there is a strong belief that he will finally complete his switch to London having been so close to doing so last summer.
Barcelona’s financial struggles are thought to be a reason as to why the Catalan club might not be successful in their pursuit, with Kounde looking set to be a Chelsea player next season.
Topics: Josko Gvardiol, Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
Robert Calcutt