'In 2023 he will go': Romano shares update on reported Spurs target who's 'one of the best talents in the world'

By Giuseppe Labellarte

Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol in recent months.

Back in May, the Evening Standard claimed that Spurs were looking at the Croatia international as an alternative to Alessandro Bastoni.

Now, with the January transfer window on the horizon, speculation linking Tottenham with Gvardiol has intensified.

Tuttomercatoweb recently reported that Ivan Perisic was working to convince his compatriot to join Spurs.

A player of Gvardiol’s calibre will no doubt have multiple suitors after him.

And in this case, Chelsea are apparently also in pursuit.

Indeed, the Blues are reportedly working hard to sign the 20-year-old.

But contrary to some speculation, it looks as though Chelsea haven’t won the race, which is good news for Tottenham.

Fabrizio Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, shared the latest on the state of play involving Gvardiol.

‘Open race’

“I wanted to mention Josko Gvardiol,” said Romano. “This centre-back from Croatia’s national team, top player, really.

“There is no 45 million euro release clause in his contract, that was not true.

“The contract was extended with Leipzig in September, but the player knows that, in 2023, he will go to a top club.

“Let’s see if it’s going to be January, let’s see if it’s going to be summer in this case.

“Chelsea are actively working on it but there are also other clubs.

“Nothing is agreed yet between Chelsea and Gvardiol, and so open race.

“Clubs from Spain, clubs from England keeping an eye on this top player.

“Almost impossible for Italian clubs and this is why Gvardiol will be one to watch.”

Romano previously deemed Gvardiol “one of best talents in the world in general and in his position probably the best talent in this moment”.

Tottenham’s defence could certainly do with bolstering, and the £69million talent would no doubt take it to the next level.