A trio of Premier League clubs have already lodged bids for Croatian starlet Josko Gvardiol as his fine form continues to turn heads, according to reports in France.
Gvardiol was subject to a bid from Chelsea in the dying days of the summer transfer window, but penned a new contract with RB Leipzig keeping him in Germany until 2027. But, he is widely expected to leave this summer, with the deal signed solely to protect his value rather than a statement of intent to keep the young central defender.
And he has continued to impress, not least with World Cup semi-finalists Croatia, where he has been immense in the heart of his nation’s backline and a key reason that they have made the last four for the second consecutive World Cup.
Josko Gvardiol’s game by numbers vs Brazil:
92.54% passing accuracy
84 touches
7 clearances
5 ball recoveries
5 final third entries
2 duels won
1 tackle
1 interceptionScarily good. Again. 🥶#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/CN1nmIUcco
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 9, 2022
It has led to ramped up interest (and a ramped up price tag to match), with FootMercato reporting that all of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have tabled offers for the young talent.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently offering the most, with a bid in excess of 100m euros reportedly on the table, while Chelsea and United have offered 95m and 90m euros respectively.
They are not alone in their interest. Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are all also thought to be keen on Gvardiol, and a move could become a serious bidding war over his services in the summer.
“Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to play there. I’d like it”
“My agent is taking care of my future, I’m happy in Leipzig now. It’s nice to see the links, especially because there is Kovacic [at Chelsea]. So… you never know!”.