Josko Gvardiol drops major Chelsea transfer hint

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 20 Feb 2023 08:36 GMT
• 3 min read

RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol has dropped a major hint that he could join Chelsea in what would be a blockbuster summer transfer

Gvardiol has been one of the most coveted defenders in world football over the course of the last year, with his strong Bundesliga performances allied to those in the World Cup elevating the 21-year-old, who has an Estimated Transfer Value of €70 million, to an elite standard.

A string of leading clubs have been associated with the Croatia international star, including Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester City, while FootballTransfers revealed that Liverpool have the defender top of their shortlist.

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However, he has suggested that his destiny lies with Chelsea with comments made about Christopher Nkunku, who will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

“I have never seen before a player like Christoph, he is unbelievable,” Gvardiol told The Times. “Every time I talk with someone about him I always say wherever he goes I want to go with him.”

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Gvardiol reveals Premier League dream

Gvardiol admitted that playing in England is a long-term goal of his and that he turned down the chance to move to Leeds in 2021, instead moving to Leipzig.

Dani Olmo, who he had played with at Dinamo Zagreb, proved a decisive influence in this decision.

“[Marcelo] Bielsa was the coach and I don’t know if you know this but my goal in my career is to play in the Premier League,” he said.

“I didn’t speak with Bielsa but of course he sends a few people and they came to Zagreb. I met these guys and they show me it was something like a plan how they see me in their style of football. I mean, when they presented it everything looked good and you could maybe see yourself there in that moment.

“I knew that I needed to take a few steps more before I get [to the Premier League] one day. At the end Leipzig is a really good club and I feel good here. It’s important I play almost every game. I am very grateful to Dani Olmo because he was here and I spoke with him a lot of times before I decided to sign.”

Chelsea had a bid worth around €90m for Gvardiol knocked back by RB Leipzig last summer.