Chelsea are ‘in the lead’ – Admission Blues now ahead of Real Madrid in transfer race

Real Madrid have joined Chelsea and other clubs in the chase for RB Leipzig star Joško Gvardiol, according to Marca.

The Croatia international is ‘letting himself be loved’ by others after starring at the World Cup. His displays in Qatar have seen his suitors list grow, while his price tag has ‘skyrocketed’.

The centre-back is on Los Blancos’ agenda and his name has been up for debate at Real Madrid since he was at Dinamo Zagreb.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been made aware the Bundesliga club is a stepping-stone for the 20-year-old to make a jump to a top side.

The problem for the La Liga winners is that Leipzig don’t have a financial need to sell the defender, especially after reportedly closing the deal for Christophe Nkunku’s transfer with Chelsea. In addition to this, Real Madrid will face competition from the Blues.

It’s claimed Graham Potter’s side are the team who have ‘shown most interest’ in securing Gvardiol’s services. There are other Premier League sides looking at the player, but Marca state ‘Chelsea [are] in the lead’.

Should Real Madrid decide to go all out to sign Gvardiol, the competition from Chelsea and others will not make it easy for them.