Juventus are reportedly inching closer to securing the services of Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea on loan in the January transfer window.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Antonio Rudiger could be set to make his way to Juventus in the January transfer window. The Serie A champions are in advanced talks with Chelsea over the prospect of a loan move for the German international until the end of the season.
Rudiger has endured a difficult time at Chelsea since the appointment of Frank Lampard as the first-team boss ahead of the 2019/20 season. Once the first-choice centre-back for the Blues, the 27-year-old has gradually fallen down the pecking order and is now a mere backup option for the Premier League heavyweights.
This past summer, Rudiger was touted to be on his way out of Chelsea before a transfer failed to materialise. Having been forced to stay put at Stamford Bridge, he has effectively become the first backup to Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva, managing just six appearances across all competitions. Rudiger, though, is still reported to be on the exit trail, with Juventus keen on signing him.
The interest from the Serie A champions does make sense, considering Giorgio Chiellini is in the twilight of his glittering career. That the veteran Italian defender has also been battling some fitness issues in the past year or so means that Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo could do with another centre-back, especially with Merih Demiral also struggling with an injury this term.
To that end, making a move to sign Rudiger on loan for the remainder of the season comes off as a prudent decision from the Bianconeri. The Chelsea outcast could provide stiff competition to Leonardo Bonucci and Matthijs de Ligt while also becoming an option to feature in a three-man backline ahead of makeshift options like Danilo and Alex Sandro.
The report suggests that Juventus are in advanced discussions with Chelsea over the possibility of swooping Rudiger away in the winter, while also reserving the option to make his stay permanent in the summer. The Italian giants, though, could face competition from PSG in the race to sign the 27-year-old.
Meanwhile, Rudiger has also been linked with Tottenham, although it is highly unlikely that Chelsea will let him join their direct rivals in the Premier League. As for Juventus, it now remains to be seen if they can make quick progress in their pursuit of Rudiger, so as to secure his services in January.
