Transfer News: Barcelona keeping tabs on Josko Gvardiol amid Chelsea interest
Spanish giants Barcelona are eyeing a move for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol amid interest from Chelsea. This is according to the Spanish outlet Sport (h/t Express).
Barcelona are keen to sign the 20-year-old as a replacement for Gerard Pique. Pique who recently announced his retirement from the game, will not feature for the club anymore this season.
The La Liga side have identified the young Croatian as a possible replacement with the Blues also interested in him. The 20-year-old is believed to be a top target for the west London club.
Graham Potter has been keen to add reinforcements to his defensive lineup. The Blues have struggled at the back this season, conceding 17 goals in the 14 Premier League games.
This is despite the club bringing in defenders like Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella in the summer. Fofana has picked up an injury and is out on the sidelines, while Koulibaly and Cucurella have not been in top form so far this season.
Hence adding a player like Gvardiol would make sense. The 20-year-old has been a regular for his club this season, playing in 19 games in all competitions, scoring one goal in the process.
Good performances over the year has seen the 20-year-old being called up by the Croatia national team for the World Cup. Should he feature in the tournament, decent performances there could further rise his stock. The centre-back sees his current deal expire in 2027 (transfermarkt).
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea are interested in Villarreal and Spain centre-back Pau Torres
- Transfer News: Chelsea monitor Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot for a possible move
- Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech is keen to pass his AC Milan audition at the World Cup in Qatar
With Barcelona joining the race for him, it will wise for the Blues to up their interest in the defender. A young and talented defender who could lead the backline for years to come, Gvardiol could make an ideal signing for Potter.