Real Madrid enter race for €100 million-rated Chelsea target: Reports

Real Madrid are reportedly interested in roping in RB Leipzig star Josko Gvardiol, who has been heavily linked with Chelsea.

Gvardiol, 20, has established himself as one of the choicest defensive prospects in the world over the past two seasons. Since joining Leipzig from Dinamo Zagreb for an initial fee of £13 million in the summer of 2020, he has helped his club lift the 2021-22 DFB Pokal trophy.

A left-footed centre-back renowned for his pace and positioning, the Croatian has recently emerged as a top transfer target for the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United. Due to his fine performances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his stock has witnessed a rise.

According to MARCA, Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Gvardiol in the future. The €100 million-rated defender is deemed a top transfer priority for the defending La Liga champions as the club are prepared to sell out-of-favor pair Nacho Fernandez and Jesus Vallejo.

Gvardiol, who is also adept at operating as a left-back, has scored three goals and contributed four assists in 65 matches for Marco Rose's side. He has a contract at the Red Bull Arena until June 2027.

During an interview with SoccerNews, reputed journalist Gianluca Di Marzio shed light on Gvardiol's immediate future. He said:

"I know Chelsea and Real Madrid are the most interested in him at the moment. They have already made bids, but his value has sky-rocketed due to his performance at the World Cup."

Claiming Los Blancos to be Gvardiol's ideal destination, he added:

"I think Real would be the best for his career. Not only because we are talking about the club, but also because of the presence of Carlo Ancelotti. He can make him better. Ancelotti has a lot of knowledge of defending and Gvardiol will benefit from the help of an Italian coach at this stage of his career."

Real Madrid set to sanction January departure for former Chelsea star: Reports

According to MARCA, Real Madrid are prepared to allow Eden Hazard to leave in the upcoming winter transfer window. The La Liga giants have run out of patience with the former Lille man, who has struggled to maintain consistency due to a host of recurring injuries.

Hazard, 31, arrived from Chelsea for a fee of around €115 million in the summer of 2019, becoming Los Blancos' most-expensive signing ever. Overall, he has netted just seven times and contributed 11 assists in 72 games across all competitions for the Carlo Ancelotti-coached outfit.

Considered to be a Ballon d'Or contender during his time in London, Hazard has registered a goal and an assist in six games this season.