Juventus are reportedly plotting a summer move for Antonio Rudiger, who is facing an uncertain future with Chelsea.
According to a report by Italian outlet Calciomercato, Antonio Rudiger has popped up on the radar of Juventus over a move in the summer transfer window. The German international is facing an uncertain future at Chelsea, and is pondering whether or not he puts pen to a new deal.
Rudiger joined Chelsea from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 and has since gone on to endure a roller-coaster of a spell with the Blues. Under Thomas Tuchel, the 28-year-old’s stock has been on the rise, having reclaimed his spot as a regular in the defensive line.
Indeed, while he was an afterthought before Frank Lampard’s sacking, he has missed just one game since his compatriot’s appointment at the helm at Chelsea, turning out 21 time in all competitions. However, with his current deal having a little over a year remaining to run out, question marks are being raised over Rudiger’s future at Chelsea, with the situation now alerting Juventus.
Juventus have struggled to impose themselves under the tutelage of Andrea Pirlo and following their ouster from the UEFA Champions League this month, they are set for a period of transition. Ahead of the summer transfer window, it looks like defence is going to be one of the priorities for the Bianconeri, and for good reason.
Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are on the wrong side of 30 and approaching the final phase of their respective careers. Apart from the duo, Pirlo has Matthijs de Ligt and Merih Demiral as the only other centre-backs at his disposal. As a result, it is not hard to see why they want to sign a central defender, with Chelsea star Rudiger a viable target.
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While Chelsea are eager to tie the German international down to a new deal, he has also been linked with a shock cross-London switch to Tottenham Hotspur. The report claims that any possible move for Rudiger will go deep into the summer, as he will take a late call on potentially signing a renewal with Chelsea.
The Blues, on their part, seem to be keeping their options open, with Gianluca Mancini and others being linked with them. Meanwhile, apart from Juventus, Inter Milan are also keen on signing Rudiger and it remains to be seen if the 28-year-old ends up returning to Serie A this summer.
