Real Madrid set to rival Chelsea move for €75 million rated Croatian defender

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea and Real Madrid have “already made bids” for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol.

The 20-year-old has been in fine form for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup, making six appearances and helping the European nation reach the competition’s semi-finals before losing to Argentina.

Gvardiol also had a strong start to the season for Leipzig, appearing on 19 occasions in all competitions, 13 of which were in the Bundesliga and four in the Champions League group stage.

Several clubs are said to be interested in the defender, with a recent report claiming that Manchester United and Manchester City are both keeping tabs on him.

However, according to Di Marzio, Chelsea and Real Madrid are currently showing the most interest, with both having placed bids on the table.

According to the journalist, Chelsea want to sign the youngster in January, while Real Madrid want to wait until the end of the season to bring him to the Bernabeu.

“I know Chelsea and Real Madrid are both interested in him right now. They’ve already made offers, but his transfer value has skyrocketed as a result of his World Cup performance,” Di Marzio told SoccerNews.

“Chelsea will probably make an attempt in January, but Real Madrid prefer a summer deal. I believe Madrid is the best option for his career.

“Not only because we are talking about Real Madrid, but also because of the presence of Carlo Ancelotti, and he can make him better. Ancelotti is an expert in defense, and Gvardiol would benefit from the guidance of an Italian coach at this stage of his career.

“All top clubs are vying for Gvardiol’s signature, but the level of defenders in Croatian football is already very high.”

Marjan Sisic, Gvardiol’s agent, recently stated that his client is “completely happy” at Leipzig despite the transfer rumors.

“Regarding a possible transfer in summer 2023, we are not in a hurry, and I can state unequivocally that there are no pre-agreements with any clubs,” Sisic is quoted as saying by German journalist Florian Plettenberg.

“For sure, a lot of top clubs have informed about him but Josko has a long-term contract in Leipzig. Josko is completely happy in Leipzig. His development has been incredible, and RB [Leipzig] is performing admirably under Marco Rose.”

Gvardiol joined Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb in July 2021, and he has appeared for his current club on 65 occasions in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists.