Josko Gvardiol to Chelsea will disrupt development of £33m man

Chelsea have been linked numerous times to RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol. In fact, the Blues viewed his transfer as a priority last summer but Leipzig and Chelsea couldn’t reach an agreement and instead the Croatian extended his contract with the Germans.

His stupendous performances for RB Leipzig and Croatia have only seen his stock skyrocket since then. Gvardiol is regarded as one of the best young centre backs in the world and a host of elite European sides are chasing the 21 year old.

It was reported that Chelsea are still keeping tabs on Gvardiol and may have to launch an offer in the summer in order to avoid paying the £97 million release clause that becomes active in the summer of 2024.

Josko Gvardiol to Chelsea will hamper Badiashile’s development

There’s no doubt that the 21 year old is a gem and would improve any backline. European giants Manchester City and Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on Gvardiol. Both of the elite sides want to sign Gvardiol but even Chelsea have retained an interest in the Croatian.

A year ago, Chelsea needed a fresh face in the defence and signing Gvardiol would have made a lot of sense. After failing to sign Gvardiol in the summer, CFC splashed the cash on another young and promising centre back, Wesley Fofana. Barring the time out because of injury, the Frenchman has been bedrock in the defence and a regular presence in the rearguard.

He has shown tremendous quality and given assurance through his performances that he has the capability to lead the backline for years to come. CFC then spiralled into an injury crisis where Fofana was out for months and Kalidou Koulibaly had failed to find his footing in London. The Blues then went onto sign another young and promising centre back Benoit Badiashile in the winter transfer window for £33 million.

Badiashile instantly oozed quality and forged a solid partnership with Thiago Silva. The former AS Monaco centre back is composed on the ball and often drives the ball forward from the backline. He has been progressing at a steady rate and if Chelsea sign Gvardiol, it could potentially hamper Badiashile’s development.

Currently, CFC house Silva, Koulibaly, Fofana, Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah as centre back options. The Blues have also sent Levi Colwill on loan to Brighton where he is shining and on an upward trajectory. Silva recently signed a contract extension, staying at the club till the summer of 2024. Even after Silva retires/leaves the Blues, the club have myriad central defence options.

Should CFC sign Josko Gvardiol?