Report: Chelsea in ‘advanced talks’ to sign 20-year-old wanted by Spurs

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who Tottenham were reportedly keen on snapping up earlier in the transfer window.

Earlier this summer, reports indicated that Gvardiol was one of Tottenham’s top targets for the left centre-back role (Football.London) but the Lilywhites eventually ended up signing Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan deal instead.

The Athletic revealed at the start of July that the North London club were put off by Leipzig’s excessive asking price for the 20-year-old while Antonio Conte’s keenness in bringing players in early, made them turn their attentions towards Lenglet.

The Daily Mail claimed a couple of weeks ago that Chelsea had entered the race for Gvardiol’s signature and were eyeing the Croat as a potential alternative to Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana.

If Romano’s latest update is to be believed, the Blues are now close to wrapping up a deal to sign the Leipzig star.

The journalist has revealed that Thomas Tuchel’s men have submitted an offer of €90m (£77.2m) for Gvardiol. He explained that the centre-back will only arrive at Stamford Bridge next summer, even if a deal is agreed between the two clubs before Thursday’s deadline.

Spurs Web Opinion

Gvardiol is a very talented young defender and would have been perfect for the left centre-back role in a back three.

However, to pay £80m to only have him at your disposal 12 months later, seems quite crazy to me, especially considering the other areas that Chelsea also needs to address at the moment.

I can certainly understand why Tottenham stepped away from the deal and I suspect that Bastoni will now be made the North London club’s top target next summer.

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