Real Madrid are reportedly willing to offer a massive contract worth €8 million per year in order to lure Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger to the Bernabeu.
According to a report from Spanish publication Defensa Central, Real Madrid are prepared to step up their efforts to try and secure the signing of Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer next summer. To that end, the Merengues are ready to hand the German a massive contract along with a significant signing-on bonus.
Rudiger has been with Chelsea since 2017, when he arrived from AS Roma. Having become a regular in the side, the 28-year-old lost his place in the side under Frank Lampard. Things, however, turned around spectacularly for him once Thomas Tuchel took over the reins of the club in January earlier this year.
Since then, Rudiger has been an integral part of the team, playing a key role in Chelsea’ UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup success while he has also helped them rise to the top of the Premier League table, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league on current form.
However, his future at Stamford Bridge has become uncertain owing to his contract situation. The 28-year-old’s deal expires at the end of the ongoing season and talks over a new one have not progressed as per plans, leading to several top clubs across Europe vying for his signing, including Real Madrid.
There had been reports of both Bayern Munich and Juventus preparing bumper offers for the German international. Now it is being claimed that Real Madrid are also readying a massive proposal to try and secure the signing of Rudiger on a Bosman transfer next year.
Real Madrid lost two of their defensive stalwarts in Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane this past summer. While David Alaba was brought in, the Austrian and Eder Militao are the only trusted centre-backs at the disposal of manager Carlo Ancelotti, considering that Nacho has been used in the full-back roles while Jesus Vallejo has been linked with a January exit.
So, another top centre-back signing would naturally be a priority for Real Madrid, with Rudiger, given his age and proven pedigree emerging as a key transfer target. And in order to beat the other suitors in his pursuit, the Merengues are now said to be preparing a massive contract offer for the former AS Roma man.
As per the report, Real Madrid are willing to offer Rudiger a bumper contract worth €8 million per year. In addition to that, they are also willing to throw in a signing bonus as well, so as to compensate for his demands of €11 million-a-year. It remains to be seen if the German international finds those terms acceptable or looks for more lucrative offers.