Chelsea handed transfer blow in signing Leipzig star

Chelsea have suffered a big transfer blow with RB Leipzig having no plans to sell defender Josko Gvardiol this summer.

The west London giants are expected to reinforce their central defensive options with the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

They are already working towards the transfer of Sevilla's Jules Kounde, but it has been reported that Gvardiol is another prime target for the club.

The Blues were aiming to prise him away in a deal worth €50m, but The Mail claims that Leipzig have no plans of losing him over the summer.

Gvardiol still has four years remaining on his existing contract, and the Bundesliga outfit don't face any pressure to sanction his departure.

Aside from Gvardiol, the Blues are also interested in his teammate Christopher Nkunku, but could once again face rejection from Leipzig.

They are keen to keep him for at least another season, and are prepared to reward him with a new contract with a buy-out clause for next summer.