Barcelona and Chelsea beware: Interest rises in Josko Gvardiol

Karan Tejwani

• 18 Nov 2022 13:05 GMT
• 3 min read

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.