Tottenham are reportedly ready to go all out in the pursuit of Chelsea’s contract rebel Antonio Rudiger, who is set to be available for free next summer.
According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to intensify their efforts in the pursuit of Antonio Rudiger. Their managerial director Fabio Paratici has identified the Chelsea centre-back as a top defensive target and intends to reach an agreement with the player over a potential move in the summer.
Rudiger’s current contract at Stamford Bridges expires at the end of the season, essentially making him a free agent next summer. Although the defender is not opposed to prolonging his stay in west London, he is reportedly angry at the Chelsea board for offering a meagre £140,000-a-week contract.
The German international is now prepared to not only leave Chelsea but is also open to joining a rival club in the Premier League, thus alerting multiple clubs across Europe. Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the teams in contention to sign the German next summer, although they are set to face stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur.
Recent reports suggest that the Lilywhites have already contacted Rudiger regarding a potential move to north London next season. The negotiations are being led by Fabio Paratici, who is hoping to sign a new defender for the club, preferably in the upcoming January transfer window.
Although Antonio Rudiger is unlikely to be available next month, Tottenham consider him an ideal investment for next season for multiple reasons. With 172 competitive appearances for Chelsea, the German offers vast experience at the highest level of football, while his leadership qualities could make him an ideal upgrade over Eric Dier.
However, Rudiger is not the only option for Tottenham, as the club is also targeting moves for other top defenders across Europe. In fact, Spurs are among the clubs in contention to sign Rudiger’s Chelsea teammate Andreas Christensen, whose contract at Stamford Bridge also expires at the end of the season.
Chelsea, for their part, are preparing for a potential mass exodus in the summer, having identified multiple defensive targets, including Jules Kounde. In addition to the Sevilla centre-back, the Blues are targeting Maxence Lacroix of VfL Wolfsburg as a potential alternative, while they have also sounded out Sven Botman of LOSC Lille. As for Rudiger, it remains to be seen if he joins Tottenham or moves to Real Madrid instead.
