Chelsea could battle Tottenham Hotspur for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol
According to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter (h/t Football.London), Chelsea have entered the race to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who has also been on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar.
The Blues have made an attempt to sign the young defender by involving Timo Werner in a potential swap deal. The German club, however, remain staunch in their stance and do not want to sell him.
Gvardiol arrived at Spurs just last summer at a time when Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate left for Bayern Munich and Liverpool respectively. It is safe to say the Croatia international has done a good job since joining the German outfit.
He is a regular starter in their defence and played in 29 league games last season. Spurs’ interest in him makes sense as well, given his age, talent, and potential.
Spurs must hurry
Chelsea’s desperation to sign a new centre-back cannot be more evident. Having lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen for nothing this summer, they have only brought in Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli.
Thiago Silva’s age means he isn’t a long-term solution to Thomas Tuchel’s defensive headache while Cesar Azpilicueta continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona. This means that if Spurs really want Gvardiol, they would have to be on their toes.
The Blues can make life difficult for them in this regard. Gvardiol is a smart defender both in and out of possession and could be the player Conte needs to significantly strengthen his backline.
Ben Davies was trusted as a left-sided centre-back last season but it remains to be seen if the Welsh left-back can be trusted in that role for the foreseeable future. Conte’s team will play in the UEFA Champions League next season.
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- Antonio Conte tells three Tottenham Hotspur players to step up their performances
- AS Roma ‘happy’ to sell Nicolo Zaniolo after transfer talks with Tottenham Hotspur
Such a commitment requires a strong bench and a top-quality starting XI that he can continue to rely on week in, week out.
