Deal Close – Chelsea eyeing deal for RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol

The Blues are anticipated to be busy during the summer transfer window, with several center-backs expected to leave.

Antonio Rudiger has previously declared that he will leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.

The German appears to be on his way to Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen is thought to have agreed to join Bosman in Barcelona.

As a result, Chelsea might sign two central defenders this summer. Despite his age, Gvardiol is on the club’s radar.

Gvardiol has been monitored by the Blues during his time at Dinamo Zagreb, and he has been intensively watched on at least two occasions.

Gvardiol began the season as a left-back, in our opinion. Since then, he has played either centrally or on the left side of a three-man central defense.

He may prefer the latter of those jobs because he is left-footed. He could be considered as a substitute for the departing Rudiger at Chelsea.

Gvardiol has been a standout in the Bundesliga this season, averaging 1.8 interceptions and 1.6 tackles per game. On average, he has won approximately two aerial duels.

The £27 million-rated star has also contributed two goals and two assists, but his lack of experience might be a disadvantage for the Blues.

Malang Sarr has struggled at Chelsea after a good loan spell at Porto. The Frenchman has made a number of unforced errors.

While the Blues are interested in Gvardiol, the priority should be to find another central defender with valuable experience.

Chelsea is said to be interested in Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez, who has around 250 appearances for the club.

The club is now prohibited from engaging in any contract or transfer activity due to fines imposed by the UK government on owner Roman Abramovich.

However, with Todd Boehly’s group close to a takeover, the scenario could change before the transfer window reopens next month.