RB Leipzig rule out Josko Gvardiol sale amid Chelsea speculation

RB Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff has ruled out selling Chelsea target Josko Gvardiol.

The Premier League club strengthened their defence with the additions of Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella before announcing the signing of Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.

While they have bolstered their backline, Chelsea are one of a number of clubs across Europe who are interested in signing Gvardiol from Leipzig.

According to the Evening Standard, the Blues are in discussions over a deal worth £77million (€90m), which would see Gvardiol remain on loan at Leipzig before joining up with Chelsea next summer.

However, Leipzig's chief executive has played down the transfer speculation, ruling out a departure before the current transfer window shuts as well as next summer.

Speaking to Bild, Mintzlaff said: "Josko still has a contract with us until 2026. We assume that he will not only play with us this season, but also next season."

The Croatia international has four years left on his current deal and has chipped in with four goals and three assists in his 52 appearances for the club.