Gvardiol admits he could sign for Chelsea 'one day'

Suraj Radia

• 1 Dec 2022 19:40 GMT
• 2 min read

Josko Gvardiol has admitted that he could ‘one day’ link up with Mateo Kovacic at Chelsea after Croatia progressed through to the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup.

Gvardiol continued his dramatic rise to superstardom by helping his side to a goalless draw against Belgium, sending Croatia through as Group F runners-up at the expense of their opponents.

The RB Leipzig defender produced a phenomenal last-ditch tackle to prevent Romelu Lukaku from snatching a late win for Belgium, showcasing why Chelsea, among other clubs, are so desperate to sign the 20-year-old.

SIGN HIM UP!: Gvardiol proves worth to Chelsea with dominant display

The Blues have been the biggest pursuers of Gvardiol, failing with an attempt to sign him during the summer transfer window and he was described as ‘phenomenal’ by his compatriot Kovacic.

Gvardiol penned a new deal at Leipzig after they rejected a €90m bid from Chelsea during the summer but the Premier League side are still believed to be in pole position to sign the Croatian next year.

Chelsea have already reportedly agreed a deal to sign Gvardiol’s teammate at Leipzig, Christopher Nkunku, next summer for a fee of around €60m.

COMPETITION: Blues face fight for Gvardiol

What did Gvardiol say about the links to Chelsea?

“About me and Chelsea? I don’t know. You know what happened in the last few months. To be honest, I have no idea,” Gvardiol told The Athletic.

“It’s a big club of course and, who knows, maybe one day I will be there. It’s really nice to see things like this, especially because there is Kovacic, so you never know. I talk with him.”

He added: “My agent is taking care of this and we will see. Right now, I’m happy in Leipzig. I don’t know, we will see – you never know. You know the stories and these things, but all I can say is that I’m happy in Leipzig and right now I’m going to stay there and perform for them.

“Even to be here on this, the biggest event, it’s a big thing for me at 20 years old so I’m happy. I have to think about it.”