Chelsea: £44m star now ‘open’ to joining Nkunku at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol as the Croatian is ‘open’ to moving to Stamford Bridge next summer, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The Blues invested just over £250 million in their first team squad this summer but more big-name arrivals may be just around the corner.

Chairman Todd Boehly is seemingly wasting no time in planning for future transfer windows in west London.

According to The Athletic, another Leipzig star has already agreed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea, in the form of forward Christopher Nkunku, after the club agreed to pay slightly more than his £53 million release clause.

It is understood that Nkunku travelled to Frankfurt in September to undergo a medical with the Blues ahead of a proposed move in the summer of 2023.

But he may well be joined by one of his current teammates at Stamford Bridge with Boehly also looking to add Gvardiol to the squad next summer, according to The Telegraph.

The report states that the 20-year-old has a release clause of around £43.6 million and Chelsea are looking to take advantage of it.

Phillips understands that Chelsea are looking to tie up a deal for the talented youngster ahead of next summer alongside Nkunku.

Encouragingly, the journalist also reports that Gvardiol is open to a move to Stamford Bridge, handing them a big boost in their pursuit.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “Chelsea want to sign Gvardiol next summer along with Nkunku, they are currently speaking about both players and Gvardiol is open to the move.”

He may only be 20, but the defender already boasts a raft of experience, having racked up more than 100 career appearances across spells with Leipzig and Dinamo Zagreb.

Gvardiol is already