CHELSEA have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol.
The Blues have targeted Gvardiol for several months and tried to sign him in January.
Chelsea are believed to be favourites to land the centre-back but could face a big obstacle with Leipzig keen to keep him.
And after Gvardiol scored against Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16 manager Marco Rose issued a hands off warning.
He told suitors the Croatia international is going nowhere despite his desire to play in the Premier League.
Rose said: “Joško Gvardiol will be a RB Leipzig player next season as well. I am the coach and I am asking for that. He is happy here.
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“He said he wants to play in the Premier League, but he didn’t say when.”
Gvardiol revealed he wants to follow Leipzig team-mate Christopher Nkunku wherever he plays, and he is set to join Chelsea this summer.
The centre-back also spoke about his collapsed move to Stamford Bridge last summer, saying he struggled with the decision not to let him leave.
He said: “My agent called me and said that Chelsea is extremely interested and, of course, you definitely think about a serious offer from a huge club like Chelsea.
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“Leipzig said they didn’t want to sell me.
“In the end I really struggled with that decision but we didn’t make an agreement. It is what it is.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
