Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol ‘caught smoking’ in nightclub

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Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol appears to have been caught smoking in a nightclub as he celebrated Croatia’s third-place finish in the World Cup. The RB Leipzig star is widely regarded to have been the best defender at the tournament in Qatar with speculation surrounding his future intensifying as a result. 

Gvardiol has been tipped for a move away from the Bundesliga for some time after impressing some of Europe’s biggest clubs with his performances for Leipzig. It is likely to take an astronomical fee to encourage the German side to part ways with their prized asset, with a price tag of over £75million already being reported. 

However, this is unlikely to deter potential suitors especially given his performances at the World Cup. The 20-year-old was excellent for the duration of the tournament as he helped Croatia to third place, scoring the opener in the bronze medal match. Real Madrid and Manchester City are among the clubs to have been credited with an interest yet it is Chelsea who have been the most heavily linked. 

However, the Blues may have some reservations after footage emerged of Gvardiol smoking as he celebrated Croatia’s success in a nightclub. Croatian Football Twitter account posted the video claiming Gvardiol was caught smoking. It is not known whether or not the defender is a regular or social smoker but it may be something any new buyer may encourage him to stop if they make a move for his services.

Gvardiol’s international team-mate Marcelo Brozovic is a known part-time smoker, who has been seen with a cigarette in dressing rooms on several occasions.

Meanwhile, Gvardiol signed a new long-term deal with Leipzig in September keeping him contracted to the club until 2027. It is not thought that this will prevent any future move however with the Bundesliga club instead just seeking to protect their investment. 

The player himself has not been coy on links to Stamford Bridge, openly discussing the potential for a move during the World Cup. 

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“About me and Chelsea? I don’t know. You know what happened in the last few months. To be honest, I have no idea,” he said in an interview with the Athletic. “My agent is taking care of this and we will see. Right now, I’m happy in Leipzig. I don’t know, we will see – you never know. You know the stories and these things, but all I can say is that I’m happy in Leipzig and right now I’m going to stay there and perform for them.

“It’s a big club of course and, who knows, maybe one day I will be there. It’s really nice to see things like this, especially because there is [Mateo] Kovacic, so you never know. I talk with him.”

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