Pride of London brings you a significant transfer update on Chelsea’s pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol from a particularly credible source. Meanwhile, the Blues are also closing in on the Croatian’s teammate, Christopher Nkunku.
Earlier in the week, Pride of London wrote on Nkunku and how he would prospectively be a solid addition at Stamford Bridge. In fact, the Frenchman may be a kind of missing factor for the Blues, as he is predominantly a support or second striker. And a lethal one, at that.
According to Fabrizio Romano, only an agreement awaits confirmation of that probable deal. Yet Romano did also claim that nothing is agreed between the two clubs at this point; a reachable release clause could assist a 2023 transfer, if necessary.
Fellow Leipzig man Josko Gvardiol has been admired by CFC for some time, if rumours are to be believed. Having watched Gvardiol a few times along with further footage of his play, I endorse his signing, too.
The young Croatia international is a very committed centreback in the style of a John Terry-type. Being left-footed is always a bonus in a three-man defence; passing and advancing with the ball are staples of the 20-year-old’s game. Significantly, his £40million plus stipulation could come in handy, as with Nkunku.
A look ahead to a crucial Champions League Group Stage match for Chelsea and Graham Potter
Group E is a truly worrying sight for the Chels’ faithful: the west London outfit sit bottom of the four-club table with no wins in two attempts. Although the Blues drew one of those matches – Potter’s maiden match with the side verses RB Salzburg at the Bridge – one point doesn’t make for good reading.
Of course, former head coach Thomas Tuchel was relieved of duty following the defeat to Dinamo Zagreb which kicked off the 2022/23 UCL campaign. However, CFC chairman Todd Boehly claimed that the rather disappointing result, for which he was in attendance, was not the chief reason for the German’s departure. A lack of communication and no shared vision were the points made by Boehly.
All this means that the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager will be desperate to obtain three points against a tough opponent in AC Milan. Milan are currently defending their Serie A crown from last season, but only sit fifth and are beatable. A draw is the obvious prediction, though I believe Potter has something up his tactical sleeve for this one.