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Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Chelsea are in "advanced talks" to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol. The Blues have submitted an official bid today (August 30) in the range of €90 million for the Croat.
If the deal goes through, Gvardiol will stay at Leipzig for the remainder of the season and will join Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
Romano tweeted:
"Exclusive: Chelsea are in advanced talks with RB Leipzig to sign Joško Gvardiol! Deal would be completed now but with Gvardiol staying at RB Leipzig, he’d join Chelsea in June 2023. Official proposal submitted today around €90m. Negotiations ongoing on clubs side."
Gvardiol, 20, joined RB Leipzig in 2021 from GNK Dinamo Zagreb. He has since featured in 50 matches across all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has strongly backed manager Thomas Tuchel in the transfer market this summer. The American businessman is keen to make a statement in his first season in charge.
The Blues have secured the signatures of Marc Cucurella, Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly and Carney Chukwuemeka so far, among others.
However, the west London side find themselves depleted in their defense. Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger have departed the club and joined Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.
As per another report by Romano, the west London side are also set to sign centre-back Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.
Thomas Tuchel comments on Chelsea's transfer window this summer
Manager Thomas Tuchel has shared his thoughts on the Blues' transfer window so far this summer.
The German boss believes that further reinforcements in certain positions are required. However, Tuchel also claims that he will be satisfied no matter what happens in the closing stages of the window.
When asked about whether he is satisfied with his squad, Tuchel said in a press conference ahead of their clash against Southampton tonight, August 31 (via Football.London):
"Right now, I think we could need some more players in some positions, but it's very close to the end of the transfer window, and when September 1 comes, I will be a happy coach no matter what happens. I will try to find solutions and not think about what might have happened or what could be."
He added:
"Everything that matters is reality, and at the moment [against Leicester], what mattered was finding a way to win. What will matter at Southampton is the same, find a way to win, step up individually and push the team from my side. This is what we will do no matter if players will come or not."
