Chelsea Set Sights on World Cup Star Who Likened Himself to Neymar

• Chelsea have a back-up plan in case they are unable to sign Josko Gvardiol
• Gvardiol impressed for Croatia at the World Cup as his nation finished third
• Another star who impressed in the group stages could be on the Blues' radar

Chelsea have identified yet another breakout star at the World Cup, in case they miss out on signing Josko Gvardiol.

Gvardiol has emerged as a hot prospect for a number of top European clubs including Real Madrid, and the Blues might find it hard to outbid teams like Los Blancos and Manchester City.

The RB Leipzig defender was crucial for Croatia as they finished third at the World Cup, after beating Morocco in the third-place play-off.

Last summer, Chelsea were reported to have agreed a £77m deal to sign the defender, but according to Express, those rumours were quashed.

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As it stands, however, the Londoners could be set to cash out more than the initial amount.

Amid competition from European big guns for the centre-back’s services, Sky Sports reported that Chelsea are looking at an Ecuadorian star as an alternative.

The club’s possible alternative is Piero Martín Hincapié, who plies his trade with German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

Despite being only 20, Hincapié impressed for Ecuador at the World Cup despite his nation’s group stage exit from the competition.

The one advantage Hincapié could have over Gvardiol is that he could be available for as little as £34m.

The Ecuadorian also has some versatility to him, as he previously likened himself to the great Neymar by saying he started off his career as a winger.

Gvardiol on marking Messi

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Recently, Gvardiol spoke on the daunting task of marking Lionel Messi after Croatia's World Cup exit. The veteran striker in particular proved to be unplayable, and no one experienced this more than Gvardiol on the day.

For Argentina’s third goal against Croatia, Messi completely embarrassed the Chelsea target with an incredible run down the flank, before beating him with a clever fake step and then finding Alvarez with a delightful cutback.

The defender admitted the PSG man played differently for his country, having previously faced the Argentine at club level.

Arsenal warned against signing Ronaldo

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on how Arsenal were warned against signing Cristiano Ronaldo. The veteran is currently without a club after his contract at Manchester United was terminated prematurely.

A section of Gunners fans have urged the club to make a January transfer move for Ronaldo as a cover for Gabriel Jesus, who is set to spend a couple of weeks on the sidelines with an injury.

But a former Arsenal star has cautioned the English club against making a transfer more for the striker, as he feels Ronaldo will struggle to adapt to the club's playing system.