Discussions between Real Madrid and Antonio Rudiger have reportedly reached an advanced stage, but Chelsea are hoping to tie him down to a new deal.
According to Portuguese journalist Pedro Almeida, Real Madrid are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Antonio Rudiger on a Bosman move in next summer’s transfer window. However, Chelsea have not given up their bid to secure the long-term future of the German defender.
Antonio Rudiger joined Chelsea from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 and has since come a long way. While the 28-year-old defender has had his fair share of struggles in his stint with the Blues, he has not looked back following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as Frank Lampard’s replacement.
Now widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, Rudiger has made 164 appearances for Chelsea, chipping in with eight goals and four assists along the way. However, the Blues are in a precarious position over his long-term future, with the former VfB Stuttgart defender in the final year of his contract. Such a situation has alerted Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid is understandable, considering they chose not to replenish the numbers aptly following the departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in the summer. David Alaba was Los Blancos’ only defensive addition in the previous transfer window, a decision that has come back to haunt them to some extent.
So, it is hardly surprising that Real Madrid are touted to be in the market for a centre-back, with Rudiger a viable target. For their part, Chelsea are attempting to tie the 28-year-old down to a new contract. And it has also been reported that Rudiger would be open to staying put at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea have not tabled an acceptable contract offer yet, thereby handing the initiative to Real Madrid. In just two months, Los Blancos could even have a pre-contract agreement with Rudiger. And as per Pedro Almeida, the Spanish giants are in advanced talks with the German defender.
So, it looks like Real Madrid are inching closer to signing Rudiger and it will be interesting to see if Chelsea can somehow reverse the tide and secure his long-term future. As things stand, Rudiger is set to leave Chelsea as a free agent.
