Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Josko Gvardiol.

What's the latest?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite Fabio Paratici having been heavily linked with a move for the RB Leipzig centre-back this summer, it is Chelsea who now appear to be the most active side in pursuit of the 20-year-old, having made the Bundesliga side an offer for the Croatia international in a swap deal including Timo Werner.

The transfer insider went on to state that, while Domenico Tedesco's side rejected the Blues' latest proposal, Thomas Tuchel's outfit are expected to discuss further possibilities regarding a potential £50m deal to bring the former Dinamo Zagreb starlet to Stamford Bridge ahead of September's transfer deadline.

In his tweet, Romano said: "Chelsea made a new attempt to sign Josko Gvardiol in a swap deal with Werner on loan, but RB Leipzig have still no intention to sell him. More possibilities will be discussed."

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how exciting a talent Gvardiol undoubtedly is, Romano's suggestion that Chelsea appear to be leading the race for the 20-year-old's signature this summer is sure to have left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful gutted.

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Indeed, over his 29 Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, the £100m-rated talent was in sensational form, helping Leipzig keep seven clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.8 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 1.9 clearances and winning 5.9 duels - at a success rate of 58% - per game.

The £21k-per-week centre-back also impressed going forwards, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as completing an average of 59.3 passes, 3.4 long balls, 1.3 dribbles and taking 0.8 shots per fixture.

These returns saw the 10-cap international average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Tedesco's fourth-best performer in the top flight of German football last time out.

As such, considering his already impressive ability at the back, alongside possessing an enormous amount of potential for future growth, it is clear to see why Patatici would be interested in a deal to bring Gvardiol to north London this summer, as well as why Romano's latest update on the 20-year-old will come as a gutting blow to all involved with Spurs.

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