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Tottenham reportedly want to sign £45m World Cup defender likened to Alaba, he’s ‘phenomenal’
Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol in recent months.
Back in March, there were reports suggesting Spurs boss Antonio Conte wanted the 20-year-old last summer.
And with the January transfer window on the horizon, Tottenham are apparently still hoping to make a move.
recently reported that Ivan Perisic was working to convince his fellow Croatia international to join Spurs.
However, Tottenham appear to be trailing behind Chelsea in the race for Gvardiol.
, talks between the Blues and Leipzig are ongoing.
And there is optimism from those at Stamford Bridge that they are going to agree a deal for Gvardiol.
90min also suggested that a release clause worth around £45million will become active next summer.
However, the West Londoners are reportedly willing to pay more to get a deal done sooner.
‘He’s already fantastic’
Given the speculation linking the two parties, Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic was asked about his fellow countryman at the World Cup.
Though he praised Gvardiol, he remained coy over the speculation.
“He’s phenomenal, he’s 20 and he’s already fantastic. But I have no comments to make about links with Chelsea,” Kovacic .
Tottenham must not let their guard down on Gvardiol, as he’s an incredible player who’d improve their squad for years to come.
“A fine technician”
The Bundesliga recently provided an in-depth scouting report on the player, who they compared to David Alaba.
“Perhaps the most important aspect of Gvardiol’s game is that he is a left-footed centre-back,” they wrote.
“This provides a fantastic outlet for Leipzig as they can line up the Croatian alongside a right-footed centre-back, with both totally comfortable in the position they are playing.
“Alaba has perhaps established himself as the world’s best left-footed centre-back, and Gvardiol has many similarities.
“You may think 6’1” is no mean height for a central defender. But his real strength comes in exactly that – his strength.
“Gvardiol is rarely bullied off the ball by his opposition. And in the physically demanding Croatian league, has learned exactly how best to use his body to his advantage.
“He has also built his confidence on the ball, where he is just as comfortable bringing possession out of defence as he is playing the ball to a teammate in a better position.”
Former Bayern striker and Croatia international Ivica Olic has described Gvardiol as an “extraordinary talent”.
He added: “He can play great long balls, is a fine technician and is physically very strong.”
And former Leipzig sporting director Markus Krösche said that “with Josko Gvardiol we were able to sign one of the greatest European defensive talents”.