MATEO KOVACIC has urged Josko Gvardiol to join him at Chelsea, declaring: “I hope we play together.”
Todd Boehly and Thomas Tuchel made a shock late play for RB Leipzig centre-back Gvardiol late last month.
Mateo Kovacic hopes Croatia pal Josko Gvardiol joins him at Chelsea
Kovacic urged Chelsea to sign the RB Leipzig star this summer
Chelsea submitted a £77million bid with a view for the Croatia international, 20, to join them next summer.
However, talks with Leipzig broke down and Gvardiol ended up penning a new contract.
Chelsea are expected to resume talks with the Germans in January after allowing them to re-sign Timo Werner for just £25m.
And Blues ace Kovacic now admits he’s the one who urged the club to pursue a move for Gvardiol.
The left-footer was also in the sights of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
But Kovacic knew the defender’s worth after playing with him at international level.
And he made sure to sign Gvardiol’s praises when Tuchel asked him for information.
Kovacic also remains hopeful they will eventually play together at club level as Chelsea prepare to re-enter negotiations with Leipzig.
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He said: “At the club, they asked me about Josko, I told them all the best.
“I don’t need to say anything about his football, they know what kind of player he is, and his character is excellent.
“I have seen in the national team how eager he is to play, he has a great career ahead of him, and I hope that one day we will play together in the club.”
Gvardiol has been at Leipzig since 2021 after a move from Kovacic’s former team Dinamo Zagreb – who Chelsea play tonight in the Champions League.
Gvardiol starred in 46 games last season and has since won 10 caps for his country.
