Chelsea are reportedly interested in RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian has been in fine form for the Bundesliga giants this season and has caught the attention of Blues boss Thomas Tuchel thanks to his consistent performances.
According to Florian Plettenberg, Tuchel is believed to be a huge fan of Gvardiol and views him as a replacement for Antonio Rudiger. The former Borussia Dortmund coach recently revealed that the German defender will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season after the expiration of his contract.
The 29-year-old has been in incredible form for the Blues since Tuchel took over the reins at the club in January 2021. He helped the west London club win the Champions League last season and the Fifa Club World Cup this season. Rudiger has made over 190 appearances for Chelsea during his five seasons with the club.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Spanish giants Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement with the defender over a summer move to the Bernabeu. Chelsea are likely to target the signing of a top-quality defender to replace the German.
Josko Gvardiol has been one of the standout players for RB Leipzig this season. The 20-year-old has made 42 appearances and scored two goals for the club in all competitions. His performances have helped propel the German club to fourth place in the Bundesliga table, one point behind third-placed Bayer Leverkusen.
Gvardiol's ability to play as a centre-back and a left-back makes him the ideal transfer target for Chelsea. The Croatian does not have a release clause in his contract with Leipzig.
He is believed to be happy at the Red Bull Arena, but could be enticed into a move to one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League this summer. However, Chelsea are yet to begin negotiations with the player's representatives.
Chelsea are likely to attempt to sign a world-class defender to replace Antonio Rudiger
Despite Josko Gvardiola's impressive displays this season, the 20-year-old lacks experience and could take time to adjust to the demands of playing for a club like Chelsea.
The Blues could therefore drop their interest in the RB Leipzig star and focus their efforts on attempting to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde. The Premier League giants were heavily linked with a move for the French defender last season, but the deal failed to materialize. According to Football.london, Tuchel's side will resume their pursuit of the 23-year-old this summer.
Jules Kounde joined Sevilla from Bordeaux in 2019. He helped the La Liga giants win the Europa League in his debut season with the club. His impressive displaysfor the club during the 2020-21 campaign earned him a place in Didier Deschamps' France team for Euro 2020. The defender helped his national side win the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League.
The 23-year-old's consistent performances have helped Sevilla climb up to third place in the La Liga table, level on points with second-placed Barcelona. His versatility, speed, and physical stature could make him the ideal replacement for Antonio Rudiger at Stamford Bridge.
Andy_Mac
0
He’s replaceable Only lionel messi is the only player have ever think is irreplaceable… rudiger isn’t exceptional,,, if he’s, benzema would’ve not score that goal,,, go and watch brentford match again, despite he scored the opening goal but he contributed in the lost of that match I like him very much,,,but chelsea will remain the same without rudiger He was no way better than hazard and am sure you no more missing hazard in chelsea
Give it a few months mate. These reactionary flip flops will change opinions very soon. Rüdiger isn't that great a defender as people make him out to be in all honesty.
Andy_Mac
0
I have mixed emotions about this after the signing of Lukaku I no longer trust Tuchel 😢 when it comes to signing players he only know how to coach someone at Chelsea please contact Lampard for recommendations he knows how to sign good players
I've watched some videos on this guy. He looks a quality young prospect. Excellent on the ball, quick, strong and very good at reading the game. And above all, he's left footed. He's already getting lots of quality international experience for Croatia in tournaments like the Euro or WCQ matches where he plays at LB. I can see a lot of positives if we sign this guy. He can also provide cover for Chilwell and it could allow us to let Marcos Alonso leave. Gvardiol's versatility is a huge plus here. For me, he's much more complete than some overrated defenders like de Ligt or Timber.
zebeikmprz
0
Rudiger and Alaba pairing won't be bad
ChelseaFC_Addict
0
Gvardiol is a good defender,stop watching names clown
if you say so mate 👍 however there was no need for you to insult me but it's okay brother
woodelrtu
0
I feel like Rudiger is un-replaceable, he’s that guy who always wants to win, he’s not that soft….. he’s a full force… he have that thing in the blood…. No one can do that…. Can Chelsea member’s please think nicely and keep that guy…. We as Chelsea fans please we need that guy give him what he’s asking, he deserves that…. We still love him….
He is an upgraded David luiz
woodelrtu
0
I have mixed emotions about this after the signing of Lukaku I no longer trust Tuchel 😢 when it comes to signing players he only know how to coach someone at Chelsea please contact Lampard for recommendations he knows how to sign good players
Remember halland was his target man,he got lukaku when halland and Kane was out of reach
ceddklprs
0
I have mixed emotions about this after the signing of Lukaku I no longer trust Tuchel 😢 when it comes to signing players he only know how to coach someone at Chelsea please contact Lampard for recommendations he knows how to sign good players
Gvardiol is a good defender,stop watching names clown
mover123
0
wrong move..
Yazbeikprt
4
Forget Rudiger and Kaunde Josko the man perfect replaced. My best team
ChelseaFC_Addict
0
I have mixed emotions about this after the signing of Lukaku I no longer trust Tuchel 😢 when it comes to signing players he only know how to coach someone at Chelsea please contact Lampard for recommendations he knows how to sign good players
jioailnpty
0
I feel like Rudiger is un-replaceable, he’s that guy who always wants to win, he’s not that soft….. he’s a full force… he have that thing in the blood…. No one can do that…. Can Chelsea member’s please think nicely and keep that guy…. We as Chelsea fans please we need that guy give him what he’s asking, he deserves that…. We still love him….
He is not better than Thiago Silva, besides if Tuchel wants Josko just get him. Tuchel can bring the best out of him. He made Rudiger who Rudiger is in the last 18months.
viwadeikpz
1
I feel like Rudiger is un-replaceable, he’s that guy who always wants to win, he’s not that soft….. he’s a full force… he have that thing in the blood…. No one can do that…. Can Chelsea member’s please think nicely and keep that guy…. We as Chelsea fans please we need that guy give him what he’s asking, he deserves that…. We still love him….
He’s replaceable Only lionel messi is the only player have ever think is irreplaceable… rudiger isn’t exceptional,,, if he’s, benzema would’ve not score that goal,,, go and watch brentford match again, despite he scored the opening goal but he contributed in the lost of that match I like him very much,,,but chelsea will remain the same without rudiger He was no way better than hazard and am sure you no more missing hazard in chelsea
K-Zizou
0
I feel like Rudiger is un-replaceable, he’s that guy who always wants to win, he’s not that soft….. he’s a full force… he have that thing in the blood…. No one can do that…. Can Chelsea member’s please think nicely and keep that guy…. We as Chelsea fans please we need that guy give him what he’s asking, he deserves that…. We still love him….
dax what they said about hazard, however any defender in Leipzig dat tuchel has his eyes on must be a very good defender
Destinyontry
2
I feeling sad about he to leave us
vawdkmopru
1
He can be replace brud!!
cinbeort
1
I feel like Rudiger is un-replaceable, he’s that guy who always wants to win, he’s not that soft….. he’s a full force… he have that thing in the blood…. No one can do that…. Can Chelsea member’s please think nicely and keep that guy…. We as Chelsea fans please we need that guy give him what he’s asking, he deserves that…. We still love him….
I see no better defender in that Chelsea squad than him honestly. I feel bad for the clubs decision to let him leave.. he is such a warrior and always wants to win games.. as a rival fan, I'd have loved to have him in my liverpool squad for a few seasons. he still has lots in him to offer.
seadlpruy
0
Rudiger is a blunderous cb
Juyemnrsz
3
I feel like Rudiger is un-replaceable, he’s that guy who always wants to win, he’s not that soft….. he’s a full force… he have that thing in the blood…. No one can do that…. Can Chelsea member’s please think nicely and keep that guy…. We as Chelsea fans please we need that guy give him what he’s asking, he deserves that…. We still love him….