Centre-back for RB Leipzig, Josko Gvardiol, is reportedly wanted by Premier League winners Manchester City and Chelsea, who are both willing to pay €125 million for his talents

RB Leipzig’s 20-year-old central defensive behemoth Josko Gvardiol, who played a pivotal part in Croatia’s run to the World Cup semifinals, is reportedly the target of Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea.

Gvardiol’s popularity, however, skyrocketed as a result of his great performance for Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar. He wowed observers with his maturity and poise as a leader at such a young age. He played a key role in Croatia’s surprising third-place finish with his defensive awareness, distribution, and last-ditch tackle.

Chelsea and Manchester United want Josko Gvardiol

The 20-year-old defender capped off a fantastic run of performances on the biggest platform by scoring the game-opening goal in the bronze medal play-off against Morocco. And as a consequence, PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Tottenham Hotspur have all joined the pack of top clubs interested in signing Gvardiol in recent weeks.

The Premier League is shaping up to be the most probable destination for the Croatian international. MediaFoot reports that Manchester City and Chelsea are the frontrunners in the race to recruit him.

The Blues were reportedly interested in signing Gvardiol during the last transfer window. Co-owner Todd Boehly is a great admirer of the 20-year-old. But Leipzig countered by offering the Croatian international a new long-term deal that runs until 2027.

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Will RB Leipzig allow him to leave?

Since then, the Blues have been relentless in their pursuit of him. They explored the possibility of a pre-transfer deal before the start of the 2021 season. PSG was ready to pay more than his release clause in installments. But the German club is demanding the whole transfer money upfront. So they’ve rejected their offer.

Moreover, if Chelsea wants to sign the Croatian international in January, they would have to pay a record-breaking €125 million to RB Leipzig for their prized asset. Thus making the centre back the most expensive defender in history.

For Chelsea, the rising price of Gvardiol has been a cause of worry. But they are close to signing Benoit Badiashile, a left-footed defender from Monaco, for about €35-40 million.

If Chelsea ceases its pursuit of the 20-year-old Gvardiol, it will give Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City a free pass to sign the player. The Sky Blues have the financial resources to make the deal possible. New rumours state that they are prepared to up their bid of £90 million to £110 million in order to get the services of Gvardiol.