Chelsea have a long-standing interest in RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol and are keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge next summer.
Gvardiol’s rock-solid performances for Leipzig have led many people to regard him as one of the best young defenders in Europe. His World Cup displays for Croatia have only furthered his reputation.
Regarded as one of the breakout stars in Qatar, Gvardiol’s list of admirers has grown with Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona weighing up a move for the player.
The 20-year-old’s former manager at Dinamo Zagreb, Igor Jovicevic, believes that Gvardiol could cost €100 million, which would make him the most expensive defender in the world.
Chelsea are considered to be leading the race for the Leipzig defender primarily due to their cordial relationship with the German outfit. They are reportedly closing in on the transfer but will still face serious competition from the chasing pack.
However, former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has warned them that a move for the Croat may not be a good idea considering the array of talents currently at their disposal.
The former France international believes the club should have signed the defender last year. But Chelsea instead reinforced their defence with Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Blues also boast the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, who recently signed a new contract at Stamford Bridge, Cesar Azpilcueta, and the evergreen Thiago Silva.
Gallas believes it may be difficult for Chelsea to sign Gvardiol.
Speaking at a sponsored event, Gallas said: “Chelsea were linked with Gvardiol last year, and they should have got him then. Instead, they got Fofana and Koulibaly, while they already have Thiago Silva and Azpi.
“It may be difficult to get him now though. At the start of the season, it would have been a good move, but I don’t know if it would be now.”
Gallas also aimed a dig at Chelsea’s chiefs for their lavish spending last summer to bring in overpriced players.
“Chelsea panicked in the summer,” Gallas added. “They saw some players and put a lot of money towards them when, for me, they did not meet their value.
“Some chairmen spend too much money when they have no idea what they are doing.”
