Chelsea transfer boost as ‘RB Leipzig target Josip Sutalo as replacement for in-demand Blues target Josko Gvardiol’

Posted Sunday, September 25, 2022 by Thesun.co.uk

RB LEIPZIG are reportedly plotting a move for Dinamo Zagreb’s Josip Sutalo as a replacement for Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol.

Gvardiol, 20, was reportedly the subject of a £77million bid from the Blues late in the transfer window.

RB Leipzig are chasing Josip Sutalo as a replacement for his fellow Croatian

Then-boss Thomas Tuchel wanted to secure Gvardiol’s signature ahead of Man City before loaning him back to Leipzig for the season.

But a huge offer for the centre-back was rejected as the deadline approached.

Chelsea’s hopes of securing the star were then dealt a major blow when Leipzig announced that he had signed a new long-term contract until 2027.

But new boss Graham Potter is thought to be an admirer, and owner Todd Boehly is ready to go back for Gvardiol after the Croatia international opened the door for a move to Stamford Bridge as early as January.

Now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has added to the speculation by claiming that Leipzig are ready a swoop for Sutalo to fill the potential void left by Gvardiol.

He tweeted: “RB Leipzig are interested in Dinamo Zagreb's centre back Josip Sutalo. There are more than three clubs in the race, including English and Spanish clubs - as he's considered a top talent.

“Talks will continue in the next months for Sutalo's next step.”

Fellow Croatian international Sutalo is two years older than his compatriot.

He came through the ranks at Zagreb and already has experience of playing in the Europa League.

The centre-back made his Croatian debut in June’s 1-0 victory over Denmark in the Nations League and has collected two more caps since.

Meanwhile, when quizzed about Chelsea’s interest and his future earlier this month, Gvardiol said: “I am happy at Leipzig, I still have a lot to learn and need to work on myself.

“I have people who deal with it, I didn’t think about a transfer.

“We’ll see what happens in the winter.”