Barcelona and Chelsea beware: Interest rises in Josko Gvardiol
Karan Tejwani
- 18 Nov 2022 13:05 GMT
- 3 min read
Josko Gvardiol has been of interest to many clubs over the last few months and there is a new side who have joined the race for him.
The RB Leipzig defender has gone from strength to strength since moving to Germany and was linked with a move to Chelsea over the summer, but a move could not be concluded.
Chelsea were rumored to bid around €90 million for the Croatian, but it was considered to be too late in the window for such a transfer to the Blues.
READ: Chelsea and Tottenham target Denzel Dumfries available for cut-price fee
Now, there’s a new club eyeing up Gvardiol and they are close to Chelsea – their London rivals Tottenham, who have been looking to strengthen at the back themselves.
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In addition to the two London clubs, according to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are also interested in the player so this could be a three-way battle for the defender in 2023.
Xavi is looking for a long-term leader at the back and feels Gvardiol fits that profile for his squad, and a move is being considered for next year, however there may be a financial obstacle for them.
READ: Chelsea confident of beating Real Madrid and PSG to Endrick – here’s why
Barcelona have scouted Gvardiol on various occasions over the years and feel a deal for him is possible provided they are in the right financial situation.
They may have an issue due to their recent Champions League group stage exit, which has left a dent in their finances and may affect future plans.
Ten players that Barcelona will monitor at the World Cup in Qatar:
- Bernardo Silva
- Diogo Dalot
- Ruben Neves
- Juan Foyth
- Enzo Fernandez
- Benjamin Pavard
- Youri Tielemans
- Jeremie Frimpong
- Josko Gvardiol
- Ilkay Gündogan
— @sport pic.twitter.com/v8vxxaWUjX— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 18, 2022
If they don’t move fast, it’s possible Chelsea or Tottenham make a move instead and both clubs can make Gvardiol a lucrative deal that could tempt him to choose London over Barcelona.
The 20-year-old already has plenty of Champions League and Bundesliga experience and has generally impressed for club and country in his young career so far, with a World Cup bow looming this month.
Read more about: La Liga, Bundesliga, Premier League, Barcelona, Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Tottenham, Josko Gvardiol
