Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger is reportedly determined to join Real Madrid and will reject the chance to make his way to Liverpool.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Antonio Rudiger seems to have taken a final call on his future. The Chelsea defender is eager to join Real Madrid and will snub other suitors like Liverpool and Bayern Munich to complete the move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Antonio Rudiger joined Chelsea from AS Roma in July 2017 and has since endured a roller-coaster of a ride at Stamford Bridge. The German international is currently enjoying the best phase of his stint with the Blues, having been reinvigorated under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel this year.
To date, the 28-year-old has made 169 appearances for Chelsea, chipping in with nine goals and five assists in the process. However, the Premier League heavyweights are in a precarious position over his long-term future, with Rudiger in the final year of his Chelsea contract. Such a situation has alerted several clubs, including Real Madrid and Liverpool.
The interest from Real Madrid is understandable, considering they did not replenish the spots vacated by Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in the summer transfer window. While Eder Militao and David Alaba have forged a strong central defensive partnership, the Merengues still need to sign a centre-back.
That is because Nacho is the only other reliable central defender at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal, with the Spaniard best utilised as a backup option. So, Real Madrid must secure the services of a centre-back at the earliest, with Rudiger a viable target. Recent reports have also claimed that the Spanish giants are in advanced talks to sign the Chelsea contract rebel, a target for Liverpool.
The Reds’ interest in Rudiger is surprising, considering they signed a centre-back in Ibrahima Konate in the summer transfer window. With Joel Matip going strong this season and Konate one for the future, there is no need for Liverpool to bolster their defence.
It now looks like Liverpool will not be able to land Rudiger anyway, with the Chelsea defender determined to join Real Madrid. Such a development also comes as a blow for Chelsea, as reports claimed a bumper contract offer was being prepared to secure his long-term future. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen if Chelsea can retain the services of Rudiger or if he joins Real Madrid.
