Chelsea handed a blow in their pursuit of 20-year-old Bundesliga defensive sensation

Chelsea handed a massive jolt in their bid to sign Josko Gvardiol

According to Sky Germany (h/t Express), Chelsea are handed a massive blow in their bid to sign Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol as he is set to stay at RB Leipzig beyond the summer of 2023.

The Blues wanted to sign the 20-year-old late in the preceding summer window, but could not make the move materialise. They have been linked with him since, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Manchester City also joining the race.

Gvardiol, who has a contract with Leipzig until the summer of 2027 (Transfermarkt), has been one of the best players in the ongoing World Cup in Qatar. He is now preparing to face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the semi-final.

If he stays in Germany beyond the coming summer, the release clause in his contract will expire. Once that happens, Leipzig may well have a free hand in deciding what the cost of signing the player would be in 2024 and beyond.

Seeing how good the 20-year-old has been not just in the World Cup, but in the last year or so in the Bundesliga, his stock in the market isn’t gonna come down any time soon.

Moreover, he is one of the very few elite-level centre-backs who is left-footed. The left-footedness in a centre-back adds a unique dimension to the team, especially in build-up play and coverage of ground in defensive transition.

Gvardiol possesses all of the qualities required to be a top centre-back for years to come. He reads the game well, is physically strong in challenges, is aerially good and has the propensity to pass out from the back without much fuss.

Chelsea are potentially looking at a centre-back who can be a long-term replacement for veteran Thiago Silva. The 38-year-old Brazil skipper has his contract expiring at Stamford Bridge in the summer (Transfermarkt), with no agreement on an extension yet. Furthermore, he won’t go on forever, is he?

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea lead the race to sign Josko Gvardiol following submission of an offer
• William Gallas urges Chelsea to sign Cristiano Ronaldo
• Chelsea sent scouts to watch Argentine fullback Nahuel Molina

If Gvardiol would have been signed in January or in the summer, we would have had a player who is so good and still young. So, he is almost guaranteed performances and longevity.