Chelsea 'renew interest' in World Cup star who wants Premier League move

Posted Friday, March 03, 2023 by 101 GREAT GOALS

Chelsea have re-entered the race for RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol after being rebuffed in January, it has been reported.

Graham Potter's side were keen on completing a deal in the winter window, but were ultimately priced out of a move and pivoted to signing Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile instead.

However, the Times claim that this, and the imminent return of young defender Levi Colwill, will not be enough to dissuade them from moving for the Croatian once more this summer as they look set to continue their mind-blowing spending under new owner Todd Boehly.

The Blues have been boosted by the player's own will too."My goal in my career is to play in the Premier League", the defender told the Times last month, though he has since revealed that he is a boyhood fan of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

One major stumbling block, however, could be the fact that a deal will have to be done before 2024, when his £97m release clause kicks in.

That is not going to be easy, with Leipzig boss Marco Rose already making it crystal clear that he does not want the defender sold this summer despite interest.

Josko Gvardiol will be a RB Leipzig player next season as well," Rose said, speaking after Leipzig's 1-1 Champions League draw with Manchester City. "I am the coach and I am asking for that. He is happy here. He said he wants to play in the Premier League but he didn't say when."

When he does decide to move on, he will spark an almighty bidding war, with Manchester City and Liverpool both also in the frame for his signature.