La Liga champions Real Madrid are reportedly willing to offer €90 million to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, a target for Chelsea.
According to reputed Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Real Madrid will pay as much as €90 million to secure the services of Josko Gvardiol. The RB Leipzig defender is also a target for Chelsea and will likely land a big move next year.
Josko Gvardiol has become one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders on the back of his rock-solid showings at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Due to his performances for RB Leipzig, the 20-year-old was already a hot property. But his displays in Qatar have attracted even more high-profile clubs.
The Croatian international has been enjoying a solid campaign for Leipzig this season, turning out 19 times across all competitions. In addition, Gvardiol has made his mark for his nation at the World Cup. So it is hardly surprising that clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea are keen on signing him.
Real Madrid will likely offload two centre-backs next year, with Jesus Vallejo out of favour and Nacho yet to sign a new contract. A summer departure might be on the cards, with talks between Los Blancos and the latter not progressing as expected. Gvardiol has thus emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Chelsea attempted to sign Gvardiol in the summer transfer window. The Blues intended to send him back to Leipzig on loan for the ongoing season to beat the competition. But despite failing to sign the Croat, they remain hopeful of securing his services next summer.
However, Chelsea might have a tall order pursuing Gvardiol following the latest update by Alfredo Pedulla. The Italian journalist has claimed that Real Madrid will be ready to break the bank to sign the 20-year-old. And the reigning La Liga champions are willing to offer as much as €90 million to land the youngster.
€90 million should be enough to turn Leipzig’s head, but Chelsea can match that offer. So Gvardiol’s next destination will likely depend on where he wants to continue his career. The Croatian international is admittedly open to joining Chelsea. But he is also keen on playing for Real Madrid. So the situation might be in the balance heading into 2023.