Chelsea has been linked with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to reports.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Athletic reports that the 20-year-old is being considered to fill the vacuum created by Antonio Rudiger’s departure.
In Germany, the Croatian had a fantastic season and was named a regular for the national squad.
His achievements also earned him a spot on the golden boy shortlist for 2022, as well as fourth position on CIES Football’s list of the best young players in the world.
After Rudiger’s decision not to sign a new contract with the club, the Blues are reportedly considering Gvardiol as a replacement on the left-hand side of defence.
Last season, the German was unstoppable in the role, so the Blues will have to step up their game if they want to match his effect.
While the Croatian international is regarded as a potential star, his achievements in the Bundesliga and Europe have demonstrated that he could fit right in with a top team.
Gvardiol is “among many names attracting significant interest from Stamford Bridge,” according to the Athletic, with Matthijs de Ligt and Milan Skriniar also being mentioned as possible targets.
Jules Kounde is also set to join Chelsea, according to the same source, although he might be one of two central defenders to join the club this summer.
TCC’s Opinion
Gvardiol appears to be a fantastic addition for the Blues, and at just 20 years old, he has the potential to be a pillar in the back line for the next decade or more.
While it is expected that the deal for Kounde will be finalized, the club may be compelled to look for more than one big-name acquisition due to the departure of Andreas Christensen and the speculated departure of Cesar Azpilicueta.
On paper, bringing in Gvardiol and Kounde would appear to be fantastic business, and while the defense would require reorganization, the double transaction might provide Tuchel with all the tools he needs to guarantee Chelsea’s back-line remains extremely strong.
