Chelsea's attempt to buy Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig has been dealt a severe setback. The 20-year-old defender was extensively connected with a summer transfer to Stamford Bridge as Todd Boehly sought to strengthen the team's defense.
Football.london is aware that Gvardiol is of interest to the Blues, but Leipzig is unwilling to part ways with the defender. The Croatian international's contract with the German team includes a release clause of £43.6 million, according to The Telegraph.
According to a Croatian article from May, the child's father traveled to London to speak with former head coach Thomas Tuchel about a potential transfer. He was apparently seen as Antonio Rudiger's ideal replacement, being nicknamed the new huge left sided center-back - a contemporary center-half who continues to impress on the left of a back-three for club and country.
Despite Chelsea's long interest in Gvardiol, the Blues could soon miss out if they don't react accordingly. Spanish outlet Sport, as quoted by the Express, report that Barcelona are eager to acquire the Croatian's services as they look to replace the retired legend Gerard Pique.
But, the Blues could have an advantage amid the commotion. In September, Mateo Kovacic revealed the role that he played in Chelsea's initial swoop for Gvardiol. Speaking to the press ahead of Chelsea's Champions League group stage opener with Dinamo Zagreb, the Blues midfielder admitted that he's hopeful of playing with his fellow countryman at club level one day.
"At the club, they asked me about Josko. I told them all the best," Kovacic said. "I don't need to say anything about his football. They know what kind of player he is, and his character is excellent. I have seen in the national team how eager he is to play, he has a great career ahead of him, and I hope that one day we will play together in the club."
Gvardiol is set to play a key role in any success that Croatia enjoy at the World Cup this winter. Chelsea will likely be keeping a close eye on the defender, who has been widely regarded as the club's top target.
Croatia kick-off the tournament against Hakim Ziyech's Morocco on November 23 before locking horns with Canada on November 27. Gvardiol and Kovacic will then play Eden hazard's Belgium in the final group-stage clash on December 1.
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