Tottenham are reportedly back in the race to sign Antonio Rudiger, with chairman Daniel Levy under increasing pressure to sign the Chelsea centre-back.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham are back in the race to sign Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer from Chelsea. The German international’s future remains uncertain at Stamford Bridge. Signing him would represent a tough challenge for interested clubs due to his financial demands.
Chelsea find themselves in a precarious position heading into the summer transfer window. The sanctions placed on the club by the UK Government restrict them from conducting transfer activities or contract negotiations of any kind. As a result, the Blues could lose all three of their current first-choice centre-backs.
Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are targeted by Barcelona on free transfers, while the biggest blow would be to lose Antonio Rudiger, who is also running down his Chelsea contract.
Losing their star centre-back is one thing, but seeing him join bitter rivals Tottenham will be a hammer blow for Chelsea and their supporters. Spurs have been trying to sign the German international for quite some time and are expected to step up their efforts in the summer transfer window.
Recent reports had claiming that Spurs had bowed out of the race for Rudiger. But Antonio Conte remains adamant over a reunion with the former Chelsea defender. The duo were together at Stamford Bridge during the Italian’s stint with Chelsea, and now the manager wants him to lead the backline at Tottenham next season.
It is a difficult prospect for Spurs, considering the competition for Rudiger. Spanish giants Real Madrid are readying a fresh offer for the Chelsea defender, and are capable of fulfilling the financial conditions set by the German international.
Rudiger is reportedly seeking a €30 million signing-on fee and demanding a €10 million net salary to join interested suitors. It all comes down to finances, and Spurs are not known for handing out lavish contracts to players. However, the pressure is on chairman Daniel Levy to make an exception and sign Rudiger from arch-rivals Chelsea in the summer, with Conte pushing for the transfer.
If Spurs decide to approach Rudiger, it will be a drastic character shift from Levy, although it may prove crucial for Tottenham’s chances to win a trophy next season. It remains to be seen if such a move transpires and Conte gets his way.
