“Name that I heard” – talkSPORT journalist drops thrilling Chelsea transfer hint on £102m-rated ace

“Name that I heard” – talkSPORT journalist drops thrilling Chelsea transfer hint on £102m-rated ace

According to talkSPORT writer Alex Crook, Chelsea have identified promising centre-back Josko Gvardiol as a possible target.

Following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, Thomas Tuchel is in the midst of a defensive crisis and sorely wants to improve his numbers ahead of the new season.

Chelsea are among numerous teams interested in Gvardiol, who is valued at £102 million, according to 90min, with the Blues ‘keeping tabs’ at this stage of proceedings.

Tottenham has also shown interest in the 20-year-old after impressing for RB Leipzig in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League since joining from Dinamo Zagreb last year.

According to Croatian site 24Sata, Gvardiol’s father travelled to London to talk a move to Stamford Bridge, while 90min believes their interest in the talented defender is still at a ‘early level.’

Crook, however, acknowledged that the Croatian international, along with long-term target Jules Kounde, is on Chelsea’s list of summer objectives.

 Crook told GIVEMESPORT: “I think they’re more likely to recruit abroad than in the Premier League. The other name that I heard for Chelsea was Gvardiol, who Tottenham are looking at as well. I think they will sign Kounde, but I think they want to sign two central defenders.”

Why do Chelsea want Gvardiol?

Bringing in Gvardiol, who is not only comfortable in possession, but also a natural left-footer, would seem to be the ideal substitute for Rudiger, who spent the majority of his time under Tuchel playing on the left side of a back three.

Gvardiol’s pass success rate was a stunning 84% last season, according to WhoScored, and he made the most successful passes (70.6) in the entire Leipzig squad.

But the Croat isn’t just assured with the ball at his feet; he’s also a superb defender, which is why he’s being watched by some of Europe’s top managers.

According to WhoScored, he was among the top three players in the league in terms of clearances (1.9), interceptions (1.8), tackles (1.6), and blocks (0.4).

At 20 years old and with less than 100 senior games under his belt, there’s no guarantee Gvardiol will perform the same in the Premier League, but the potential is evident, underscoring why Chelsea are interested, while ex-Croatia striker Ivica Olic has already described him as ‘amazing.’

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“Name that I heard” – talkSPORT journalist drops thrilling Chelsea transfer hint on £102m-rated ace