Josko Gvardiol has refused to rule out an exit from RB Leipzig this winter.
The defender was considered by Chelsea over the course of the summer before signing a new deal with the Bundesliga club, although Standard Sport understand Premier League interest remains.
Chelsea have scouted the player since his early career at Dinamo Zagreb and could make a move in future windows despite prioritising a £70m swoop for Wesley Fofana.
Thiago Silva will soon need replacing, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Kalidou Koulibaly are over 30 and the Croatian international would represent something of a long-term heir.
Before the Champions League trip to Zagreb and Thomas Tuchel’s sacking, compatriot Mateo Kovacic admitted figures behind the scenes at Chelsea had asked him for a recommendation.
Manchester City are also believed to be keen on Gvardiol, who is now under contract in Germany until the summer of 2027.
Speaking to Index.hr, Gvardiol said: “I’m happy at Leipzig, I still have a lot to learn and need to work on myself.
“I have people who deal with it, I didn’t think about a transfer. We’ll see what happens in the winter.”
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