‘I’m told’: Chelsea still interested in signing £77m Tottenham target, the race is very open – Fabrizio Romano

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Tottenham Hotspur know their task of attracting the world’s best talent is getting tougher and tougher.

Newcastle United have emerged as a potential new superpower in the Premier League, and Chelsea’s new owners are particularly ambitious.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano, via Caught Offside, has now provided an update on one of Tottenham’s most exciting transfer targets.

Antonio Conte has made it his mission to completely revolutionise Tottenham’s squad.

The arrival of the likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ivan Perisic have certainly improved the team.

There are still areas where Conte would like to strengthen his squad.

In goal, Tottenham have been linked with a number of players who could potentially replace Hugo Lloris.

Spurs are reportedly interested in Arsenal’s former number one Wojciech Szczesny.

However, another area that Conte is determined to improve is his defence.

All of the Italian’s successes have been built on a solid back line, something that he doesn’t yet have at Tottenham.

And Romano is now reporting that Chelsea still want to sign Tottenham target Josko Gvardiol in the summer.

Chelsea want Tottenham target Gvardiol

The Croatian centre-back is one of the most exciting young defenders in the world.

Currently plying his trade at RB Leipzig, Gvardiol is now a first-choice defender for club and country.

When asked about the 20-year-old, Romano said: “Chelsea are interested and have been since last summer.

“They wanted him for 2023 in an €80m deal plus add-ons but Leipzig refused.

“At the moment I’m told Chelsea remain interested but there’s still nothing agreed; the race is open, nothing will happen now as he’s 100% focused on World Cup.”

Chelsea have reportedly previously bid £77m for Gvardiol, a massive figure for a defender.

A move for Gvardiol will almost certainly break Tottenham’s transfer record, which is currently £63m for Tanguy Ndombele.

Even though Chelsea still want to sign Gvardiol, it’s an encouraging sign for Tottenham that Romano believes that race is still open for him.

Chelsea have already spent big on Wesley Fofana this summer, and have the likes of Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella to look to for the future.

Spurs may benefit from being able to offer Gvardiol guaranteed first-team football, especially as Graham Potter is still struggling to figure out his team and formation.

Gvardiol will have an opportunity to impress on the biggest stage for Croatia at the World Cup.

If he stands out, his price tag may increase even further.