La Liga duo join race for Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol

La Liga duo Real Madrid and Barcelona have entered the race for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, according to The Evening Standard.

The 20-year-old Croatian defender has caught the eyes of the world with his superb performances in the Bundesliga and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Croatia.

Gvardiol has received praise for his dogged marking, ball-playing, and ball-carrying abilities. Since his emergence at Dinamo Zagreb, he was touted as one of the best defensive talents. He is gradually living up to the lofty billing.

Chelsea and Manchester City tried to sign the talented centre-back last summer. Pep Guardiola’s side made an €80 million offer for Gvardiol, but Leipzig did not budge.

Chelsea engaged in talks over him, but Leipzig remained adamant that they did not want to sell. However, the Blues were persistent that they would take the player even if it meant waiting till 2023.

Chelsea have been negotiating with Leipzig for months, and while a deal looks close, Barcelona and Real Madrid are circling.

Barcelona do not have any left-footed defenders within their ranks at the moment. The Catalans sent Clement Lenglet and Samuel Umtiti. He fits the mold of a Barcelona defender, especially in bravery and progressing the ball.

Real Madrid may have Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba, and Nacho within their ranks, but that has never stopped them from stockpiling talents.

There are also rumours in France that Gvardiol is on Luis Campos’ radar. Les Parisiens are looking for options with Milan Skriniar close to staying at Inter Milan.

On Monday, his agent, Marjan Sisic, said Gvardiol is not in a hurry to decide his future. He has his development to worry over. That will be the determinant in any move he decides to make.

Todd Boehly and Clearlake consortium have been pushing for Gvardiol as they want to continue their youth revolution at Chelsea.

They are currently ahead of other parties in the race for the defender, but they will have to move fast with the big sharks looming.