Rival legends provide a positive appraisal for this key Chelsea transfer target

Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol praised by Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves

Josko Gvardiol, a target for Chelsea, has been in phenomenal form ever since his World Cup moment of brilliance, and the 21-year-old has received praise for his performance ever since.

Gvardiol was strongly linked to Chelsea, but no move was made because the deal fell through after he chose to sign a new five-year contract with the German giants.

It is said that The Blues came very close to signing Leipzig centre-back in may of last year when the player’s father travelled to London to speak with former manager Thomas Tuchel about a potential transfer to Stamford Bridge.

But the deal UNFORTUNATELY fell through. The Blues are nevertheless still keen on signing the 21-year-old, but they would have to outbid other European teams.

Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol praised by Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves.
Manchester United former defender Rio Ferdinand.

The cost of a centre-back has increased as well since his performance at the 2022 World Cup, and Leipzig rate him at around £114 million. In an interview with BT Sport (via Football.London), Hargreaves described the 21-year-old as a “future prodigy,” saying:

“Technically and physically on the ball, he can come out with it; he dribbles as a centre back. I know you don’t really want that, but the guy has everything.”

Ferdinand holds the same opinion of Gvardiol and believes that if he continues to play like this, he can become one of the top centre-backs in the future. Big words coming from a Premier League legend who knows a thing or two about defending.

“I watched him closely at the World Cup, and he was magnificent.”

Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol praised by Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves.
Josko Gvardiol is a sensational talent. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

We need a centre-back because Thiago Silva is very close to retiring and the other defenders are still injured; thus, buying Gvardiol would be one of the best purchases we could make.

Silva has allowed Benoit Badiashile to demonstrate his skills beside him, although Kalidou Koulibaly has struggled at Chelsea while Wesley Fofana has missed most of the season due to injury.

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Our backline has not been reliable, with Trevoh Chalobah frequently used as a backup. Bringing in the 21-year-old German defender could address these issues.