Chelsea have joined Manchester City in the race to sign highly-rated RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, with the 19-year-old seen as a potential replacement for Aymeric Laporte.
Gvardiol has been one of the most impressive young defenders in Europe this season, and has attracted interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world.
The Croatian international has been a regular starter for Leipzig this season, making 24 appearances in all competitions. He has also been capped by his country at Under-21 level, and is seen as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Gvardiol in recent weeks, and it is believed that they are now in pole position to sign the player. The Blues are in need of defensive reinforcements, and Gvardiol is seen as the perfect fit for their system.
Manchester City are also interested in the player, and are believed to be monitoring his situation closely. The Citizens are in need of a long-term replacement for Aymeric Laporte, and Gvardiol could be the perfect fit.
The 19-year-old is highly rated by Leipzig, and the club are believed to be demanding a fee of around €30 million for his services. This could prove to be a stumbling block for both Chelsea and Manchester City, as they are both unwilling to pay such a high fee for a player of Gvardiol’s age and experience.
However, both clubs are desperate to sign the player, and it remains to be seen if they can agree on a fee with Leipzig.
Gvardiol is seen as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe, and it is no surprise that he is attracting interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. It remains to be seen if Chelsea or Manchester City can agree on a fee with Leipzig, but it is clear that the 19-year-old is a player that both clubs are keen to sign.