Chelsea and Tottenham knocked back in Josko Gvardiol pursuit

Cameron Smith

Updated: 27 Jun 2022 18:51 BST
3 min read

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

Chelsea and Tottenham have both been dealt a blow in their pursuit of RB Leizpig defender Josko Gvardiol this summer.

Article continues under the video

Gvardiol, 20, only joined Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in his native Croatia last year, but has already been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Both Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte have expressed their desire for defensive reinforcements, with the former losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to free transfers, while the latter has targeted multiple options to replace Ben Davies.

Pau Torres and Alessandro Bastoni have both been linked with a move to Tottenham, while Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on Matthijs de Ligt. They do, however, remain keen on signing Sevilla's Jules Kounde after missing out on the France international last summer.

It appears as though Gvardiol isn't a first choice solution for either club, but he remains an option.

However, Transfermarkt's Stefan Bienkowski has reported that both London clubs have enquired about the Croatian international but have been told that he isn't for sale at any price, with Leizpig reinforcing the message they won't sell their stars this summer.

It comes after news that Christopher Nkunku has renewed his contract at Leipzig, keeping him at the club until 2026, despite multiple rumours linking him with a big-money transfer away.

As for Gvardiol, he signed a five-year deal upon joining last summer, meaning he's tied down to the Saxony club for a further four years, giving Leipzig all the power when it comes to negotiations.

© ProShots - Josko Gvardiol made 28 Bundesliga appearances last season

And it appears they won't be entertaining any interest in the defender, despite attention from two of the Premier League's wealthiest teams.

Chelsea are yet to add to their squad, despite Todd Boehly's takeover, while Tottenham have signed Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster as Conte looks to establish his side as a Champions League team.

Gvardiol to stay put

The left-footed centre-back impressed at the delayed 2020 European Championships, and has gone from strength to strength this season. His ability to combine physicality with composure in possession has stood out, and the fact he's played mostly on the left of a back three caught the eye of both Tuchel and Conte.

With that position in need of upgrades for both London clubs, Gvardiol has been targeted, but it appears as though both clubs will look in other places to find solutions.