RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol hints at future Chelsea move

Josko Gvardiol has reiterated his commitment to RB Leipzig, despite acknowledging that he may be open to joining Chelsea in the future.

Since signing for the Bundesliga outfit in 2021, the 20-year-old has only enhanced his reputation in his 65 appearances in all competitions.

Despite penning a long-term contract upon his arrival at Leipzig, his German club insisted on extending his deal until 2027 as recently as September.

That was in response to persistent speculation regarding interest from Chelsea, who at the time were attempting to strengthen their central-defensive options and, more specifically, feature on the left-hand side of a back three if required.

Despite the development at the negotiating table, talk has continued over a potential switch to Chelsea or another higher-profile club at some stage.

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After helping Croatia progress through to the last 16 of the World Cup on Thursday with a goalless draw against Belgium, Gvardiol was quizzed on his current situation at club level.

Although he stated that his focus was on helping Leipzig achieve their goals this campaign, Gvardiol left the door open to a transfer to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to The Athletic, the youngster said: "About me and Chelsea? I don't know. You know what happened in the last few months. To be honest, I have no idea.

"My agent is taking care of this and we will see. Right now, I'm happy in Leipzig. I don't know, we will see - you never know. You know the stories and these things, but all I can say is that I'm happy in Leipzig and right now I'm going to stay there and perform for them.

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"It's a big club of course and, who knows, maybe one day I will be there. It's really nice to see things like this, especially because there is [Mateo] Kovacic, so you never know. I talk with him."

While Chelsea signed the likes of Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer, Thiago Silva is now 38 years of age and currently due to be out of contract at the end of the season.

However, it has been suggested recently that the likes of Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring any developments with Gvardiol's situation ahead of potentially hijacking any approach from the West Londoners.

Nevertheless, Chelsea are no strangers to holding discussions with RB Leipzig with it having been widely claimed that they have already put a proposal in place to sign Christopher Nkunku in 2023.