Mateo Kovacic has delivered his verdict on Chelsea's transfer pursuit of RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.
The pair play together for the Croatia national team, having both previously come through the Dinamo Zagreb academy in their younger days.
Despite never playing together at club level, Kovacic has been keeping an eye on the progress of the young Croatian star.
Advert
Chelsea had been eyeing up a move for the 20-year-old all summer, according to reports.
However, with both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christenen departing, a move for the RB Leipzig defender was not possible.
Instead, Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana joined the Stamford Bridge side.
Advert
Despite this, Chelsea's interest in Gvardiol has not gone away, with recent reports stating that the Blues remain in talks over a €90 million move for the Croatian next summer.
Any deal would see the defender come in during the 2023 season rather than this campaign, with the Bundesliga club determined to keep hold of him.
Reports of this interest have been picked up in his native country.
When Kovacic returned with Chelsea on Monday, the press queried him about the interest.
Advert
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb, Kovacic admitted that he would like to play with him at Stamford Bridge.
He said: "They (Chelsea) asked me about Josko and I had only the best opinion of him.
"Josko is a top quality player and people from Chelsea know that.
"I know his future is bright and big and I am looking forward to being his team player one day."
Advert
While Chelsea are yet to sign the defender, Kovacic has fuelled the speculation surrounding his future in Germany.
Thiago Silva's contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season, meaning Thomas Tuchel's side could be in the market for another central defender soon.
It remains to be seen as to whether a deal can be struck, but one thing is for sure, Kovacic is a huge fan of the potential transfer.
Advert
Topics: Chelsea, Josko Gvardiol, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Mateo Kovacic, Football, Transfers
Nick Emms