Journalist claims two PL clubs have ‘advantage’ over Spurs in race for 21-year-old

Bild journalist Christian Falk has said that Manchester City and Chelsea are more likely to land Josko Gvardiol in the summer transfer window compared to Tottenham’s chances

Gvardiol has been linked with a number of clubs, including Spurs, over recent months and the speculation shows no signs of slowing down as the summer transfer window nears.

The Times were the latest to report on Tottenham’s pursuit of the Croat, stating earlier this month that the North London club remain keen on landing the 21-year-old on the back of his impressive displays at the World Cup.

However, the publication stated that Antonio Conte‘s men were trailing their London rivals, Chelsea, in the race for the RB Leipzig star.

The report also added that Gvardiol is keen on plying his trade in the Premier League and would be keen on a switch to England in the summer.

However, Falk has now revealed that it would take a bid of €100m (£88m) to prise the centre-back away from the Red Bull Arena and suggested that City and Chelsea are more likely to put that money on the table than Spurs are.

When asked about Gvardiol’s future, the journalist told CaughtOffside: “Manchester City are not the favourites, but of course, Pep Guardiola’s men have a good chance when it comes to the race for Josko Gvardiol. That being said, one can’t ignore Chelsea either.”

“Both clubs have the advantage over Liverpool and Tottenham, ultimately because the side that offers €100m in the summer will have the best chance of getting Gvardiol and, as many are more than aware, City and Chelsea have the money to fund such a deal.

“The important thing to note is that Gvardiol wants to leave in the summer if an opportunity in the Premier League arises. It doesn’t matter that his release clause (€112m) is only valid in 2024.

“Put simply, the Croatian won’t accept Leipzig stopping his potential exit should an offer of €100m come through the door. He wants to go to the Premier League, preferably this summer rather than the next, despite signing a new contract until 2027.”

Spurs Web Opinion

If the manager who replaces Conte prefers to play with a back four, then a left centre-back may not be as big a priority next summer.

I suspect that Fabio Paratici will bring in a coach who plays with a central defensive back three. Either way, it is clear that Tottenham are not going to get involved in a bidding war for Gvardiol.