Chelsea favourites to land in-form World Cup defender

Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to sign RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol next summer.

The west London giants attempted to land him from the Bundesliga outfit last summer, but Leipzig declined their proposal.

Gvardiol went on to sign a long-term contract with the German club. It is now revealed that the deal has a €50m release clause.

The Blues are aware of the option and Sport claim that they are exploring ways to sign the defender in a pre-transfer agreement.

Chelsea are determined to avoid the competition for the player and it is reported that they are prepared to pay more for him.

The club have already succeeded in convincing Leipzig with a similar agreement for Christopher Nkunku, who will join them next summer.

Nkunku's release clause of €60m becomes active in July 2023, but Chelsea are set to pay around €80m for him to finalise an early agreement.

Blues owner Todd Boehly seems to be very ambitious in the transfer market.