Chelsea F.C. continue to be linked with a move for RB Leipzig and Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, but will have to fight off interest from Man United and Man City to sign the 20-year-old.
Chelsea transfer new:
A handful of young defenders are being targeted by Chelsea in the upcoming transfer window as part of the club’s succession planning for life beyond Thiago Silva. The Brazilian is still performing at a high level despite being 38 years old while playing for the Blues, but that won’t stay forever.
“I am now enjoying the best version of Thiago Silva,” the defender said during the World Cup campaign with Brazil. “I think now, at my age, I am living the best moments of my career. I also have other personal fulfilments, I have a beautiful family that is a great support to me.”
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But eventually, the seemingly invincible center-back will succumb to age, and a transfer away from Stamford Bridge will be on the table. At that point, the one-year contract extensions will also expire. Chelsea needs to think ahead to options after his time because of his significance.
Josko Gvardiol, a star for RB Leipzig and Croatia, is one of the players being mentioned as a replacement. At only 20 years old, he has already made an impression as a left-footed center-back. Back in the summer, the Blues had a chance to sign him, but January gives them a second shot.
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According to Foot Mercato, Gvardiol has received offers worth £80 million from both the Blues and Manchester United. However, they risk losing out to rival Manchester City, who made a bid for him that would make him the most expensive defender in the world and would be worth about £95 million.
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It’s unclear if that will be sufficient for Pep Guardiola to sign the young player, but Chelsea will be hoping they get the chance to stop them from doing so.
Lukaku set for Chelsea return after Inter Milan loan in transfer worry
Before focusing on strengthening and letting go of underperforming players, the Blues have contract concerns and roster gaps to fill. However, they might not have anticipated Romelu Lukaku‘s comeback. The Belgian player, who is presently on loan at Inter Milan but is still Chelsea’s property, must resolve a complicated position.
He failed to live up to expectations after being bought last summer for a club record £97.5 million and contributed to a changing room that was becoming more and more fractious
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During his tenure at Stamford Bridge, Thomas Tuchel also led Chelsea to victories in the FIFA Club World Cup (won), a second FA Cup final (lost), and a Champions League final (won). The German was genuinely the best at knockout football.
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