After agreeing to sign Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea are ready to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to reports.
The 20-year-old was the subject of interest from Chelsea during the summer transfer window, but Leipzig refused to let the Croatian defender depart.
Chelsea continued talks with the Bundesliga outfit over a €90 million deal to bolster their defence over a possible deal in the coming windows.
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They have already struck a deal for Gvardiol’s teammate, Christopher Nkunku, with the France international penning a pre-contract agreement after Chelsea committed to paying more than his €60 million release clause to join the club next summer.
But now Chelsea are going back for another Leipzig player, according to Matt Law of the The Telegraph, with Gvardiol of high interest.
Chelsea will try to complete a deal for the defender with the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva unclear.
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Advanced talks have already been held for Gvardiol, who is claimed to have a release clause of around £43.6 million.
After their take over in May, Todd Boehly and Co have already splashed out on defenders, bringing in Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly, as well as wing-back Marc Cucurella.
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Gvardiol insisted he was happy in Germany after not joining Chelsea in the summer. He said last month: “Honestly, I’m happy in Leipzig.
“It’s only my second year and I still have a lot to learn and work on myself.”
When asked about speculation, he “didn’t think too much about a change.”
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Gvardiol will now focus on Leipzig before the World Cup in Qatar in November.
The 20-year-old added: “I was able to play a European Championship when I was 19 and now I have a chance at the World Cup when I’m 20. Of course I’m thinking about it.
“Two or three years ago I wouldn’t have even dared to dream of taking part in a tournament like this. However, there is still down time. Denmark, Austria and my club are waiting first.”
But before then, like Nkunku, Chelsea could look to sign another pre-contract with Gvardiol to tie down two major acquisitions to beat their rivals ahead of next season as the squad planning continues.
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Topics: Josko Gvardiol, Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Transfers
Matthew Debono