Antonio Rudiger is reportedly set to be offered a contract with a net worth around €14 million by Chelsea to ward off Real Madrid.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Chelsea are doing everything in their power to keep hold of Antonio Rudiger beyond next summer’s transfer window. The Blues are willing to offer the German international a contract with a net worth around €14 million to keep Real Madrid at bay.
Antonio Rudiger joined Chelsea from AS Roma in July 2017 and has since come a long way. The 28-year-old is currently in the best phase of his career, having been rejuvenated under the tutelage of Thomas Tuchel. Many even believe he is among the best defenders in the Premier League at the moment.
To date, the German international has made 166 appearances for Chelsea, chipping in with nine goals and five assists along the way. However, the west Londoners are in a precarious situation over his long-term future, with Rudiger in the final year of his contract. Such a situation has piqued the interest of Real Madrid.
Recent reports have claimed that Rudiger is in advanced talks with Real Madrid over a possible free transfer next summer. There have even been suggestions that the Chelsea defender would be open to joining Los Blancos, which has put the Blues in a spot of bother.
The interest from Real Madrid does make sense, considering Carlo Ancelotti is short of quality central defensive options. The Merengues chose not to sign as many replacements for Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane in the summer, with David Alaba the only defensive addition.
While Eder Militao, who has coincidentally been linked with Chelsea as a possible replacement for Rudiger, and Alaba the only reliable centre-backs, reinforcing the heart of the defence is imperative for Real Madrid. To that end, the Spanish giants have identified Rudiger as their priority option next summer. However, Chelsea are set to table a bumper deal to convince him to stay put at the club.
According to the report, the Blues are willing to offer Rudiger a contract with a net worth of around €14 million per year to secure his long-term future. In addition, Chelsea will also give him a loyalty bonus of €10 million. Such an offer must be tempting for the 28-year-old and would be a major blow for Real Madrid.
What remains to be seen is if Rudiger accepts the impending proposal by Chelsea to commit his long-term future to the west London club. If so, it will be interesting to see who Real Madrid turn to, with Rudiger’s Chelsea teammate Andreas Christensen among their targets.