Chelsea are in advanced talks with RB Leipzig over a move that would see Josko Gvardiol join in 2023 for €90 million, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 20-year-old is one of the hottest prospects in world football, with Chelsea previously interested in bringing him to the club earlier in the summer.
However, RB Leipzig were unwilling to allow the Croatian to depart this summer, requiring his services for the season.
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With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen both departing Chelsea, the Blues were in the market for central defenders.
Kalidou Koulibaly joined earlier in the window, while Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana has completed his Chelsea medical in New York and is set to be announced in the coming days.
Furthermore, Cesar Azpilicueta agreed a contract extension at the club, easing Chelsea's concerns in defence for this season.
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Despite this, Tuchel is keen to bring in further reinforcements and previously stated that he wished to bring in at least three central defensive options this summer.
It has now been revealed that Chelsea are in advanced talks with the Bundesliga club over a move, which would see Gvardiol join next year.
According to Romano, the deal would be completed now, but the defender would be staying in Germany.
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He would join Chelsea in 2023 as a €90 million bid has been submitted today and negotiations are ongoing.
Earlier in the summer it was revealed that Tuchel wanted to bring in both Jules Kounde and Gvardiol as part of his defensive rebuild.
However, Kounde opted to move to Barcelona as Chelsea withdrew their interest late on, while Gvardiol remained unavailable.
With Thiago Silva's contract expiring at the end of the season, Gvardiol could provide Chelsea with a long-term solution to the ageing Brazilian despite his brilliance.
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Levi Colwill is also set to return to Stamford Bridge next summer and could battle it out with the Croatian for his place.
Colwill is currently on loan at Brighton and Hove Albion, looking to gain valuable Premier League experience before returning to Chelsea.
It remains to be seen as to whether the Blues can strike a deal for Gvardiol and land one of the most promising defenders in world football for next season.
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Tuchel will no doubt be asked about the potential transfer in the coming weeks as Romano broke the news.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Josko Gvardiol, RB Leipzig, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms