Barcelona and Chelsea beware: Interest rises in Josko Gvardiol

Karan Tejwani

18 Nov 2022 13:05 GMT
3 min read

Josko Gvardiol, RB Leizpig, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Josko Gvardiol has been of interest to many clubs over the last few months and there is a new side who have joined the race for him.

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The RB Leipzig defender has gone from strength to strength since moving to Germany and was linked with a move to Chelsea over the summer, but a move could not be concluded.

Chelsea were rumored to bid around €90 million for the Croatian, but it was considered to be too late in the window for such a transfer to the Blues.

READ: Chelsea and Tottenham target Denzel Dumfries available for cut-price fee

Now, there’s a new club eyeing up Gvardiol and they are close to Chelsea – their London rivals Tottenham, who have been looking to strengthen at the back themselves.

Barcelona and Chelsea face Spurs competition

In addition to the two London clubs, according to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona are also interested in the player so this could be a three-way battle for the defender in 2023.

Xavi is looking for a long-term leader at the back and feels Gvardiol fits that profile for his squad, and a move is being considered for next year, however there may be a financial obstacle for them.

READ: Chelsea confident of beating Real Madrid and PSG to Endrick – here’s why

Barcelona have scouted Gvardiol on various occasions over the years and feel a deal for him is possible provided they are in the right financial situation.

They may have an issue due to their recent Champions League group stage exit, which has left a dent in their finances and may affect future plans.

Ten players that Barcelona will monitor at the World Cup in Qatar:

- Bernardo Silva
- Diogo Dalot
- Ruben Neves
- Juan Foyth
- Enzo Fernandez
- Benjamin Pavard
- Youri Tielemans
- Jeremie Frimpong
- Josko Gvardiol
- Ilkay Gündogan

— @sport pic.twitter.com/v8vxxaWUjX
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 18, 2022

If they don’t move fast, it’s possible Chelsea or Tottenham make a move instead and both clubs can make Gvardiol a lucrative deal that could tempt him to choose London over Barcelona.

The 20-year-old already has plenty of Champions League and Bundesliga experience and has generally impressed for club and country in his young career so far, with a World Cup bow looming this month.