Real Madrid have reportedly been joined by Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer next year.
According to a report by 90 min, Chelsea continue to scramble around in their bid to secure the long-term future of Antonio Rudiger. The list of suitors for the 28-year-old just continues to grow, with Atletico Madrid and others battling Real Madrid for his signature.
Antonio Rudiger joined Chelsea from AS Roma in the summer of 2017 and has since embarked on quite a roller-coaster of a ride at Stamford Bridge. Currently enjoying his best spell with the Blues, the German international has been a player reborn under the tutelage of compatriot Thomas Tuchel after struggling to secure game-time when Frank Lampard was in-charge.
To date, Rudiger has made 153 appearances for Chelsea while chipping in with seven goals and three assists in the process. The west Londoners, though, are in a precarious situation over the future of the 28-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge. Such a situation has piqued the interest of Real Madrid and now, Atletico Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid first cropped up last month, only for Chelsea to hold firm to the 28-year-old. However, with Rudiger now entering the final year of his contract and discussions over a new deal not progressing a whole lot, the prospect of a Bosman move has come up now.
The pursuit of the Chelsea defender makes sense for Real Madrid, as David Alaba, Eder Militano and Nacho are the only reliable central defenders at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal. So, signing Rudiger, possibly on a free transfer, is a prudent move. However, Atletico Madrid have now joined their local rivals in pursuit of the German international.
For Atletico Madrid, the interest is understandable as well, considering both Stefan Savic and Felipe are on the wrong side of 30. So, with Jose Maria Gimenez and Mario Hermoso the only other centre-backs available to Diego Simeone, making a move for Rudiger would be a step in the right direction.
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Apart from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern Munich are also interested in Rudiger. However, with Chelsea determined to tie him down to a new contract, it remains to be seen if the 28-year-old prolongs his stay at Stamford Bridge.