Transfer Centre

Manchester City to rival Chelsea for Josko Gvardiol next summer?

By Ben Sully | 13 September 2022

Man City to rival Chelsea for Gvardiol next summer?

Manchester City are reportedly set to rival Chelsea for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who has a contract with the German club until 2027.

Manchester City are reportedly expected to join the race to sign Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig.

Chelsea were believed to have had a bid rejected by Leipzig towards the end of the summer transfer window that would have seen the defender join the Blues next summer.

Although Gvardiol has recently signed a new five-year deal with the German club, Chelsea could make a move to bring the Croatia international to Stamford Bridge as early as the January transfer window.

However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Gvardiol is set to remain with Leipzig until next summer, when Manchester City are set to rival Chelsea for the 20-year-old.

RB Leipzig turned down Chelsea bid for Josko Gvardiol on Deadline week [it was for summer 2023] as they're convinced other clubs will join the race next summer, including Man City. 🔵🇭🇷 #CFC

New deal until 2027 but Chelsea are still there and the race is absolutely open. pic.twitter.com/Df4IHOgMFD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 12, 2022

There is a belief that Leipzig rejected Chelsea's offer as they expect a number of clubs to show an interest in 2023, which could result in a bidding war.

Despite featuring in all six Bundesliga matches this season, Gvardiol has only started on two occasions, but he is set to be included in the squad for Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.