Real Madrid are reportedly considering ending their pursuit of Antonio Rudiger, with the Chelsea contract rebel’s wage demands being excessive.
According to a report by Spanish publication MARCA, Antonio Rudiger is no longer a key target for Chelsea for the summer transfer window. The Spanish giants have cooled their interest in the Chelsea contract rebel due to his wage demands, which have been deemed excessive.
Antonio Rudiger has been in the form of his life since Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as the Chelsea manager last year in January. And over the past twelve months, the German international has come leaps and bounds and is now widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
To date, the 28-year-old has made 175 appearances for Chelsea, chipping in with nine goals and seven assists in the process. However, the Blues are in a precarious situation over Rudiger’s long-term future, as he has entered the final six months of his contract with the club. Such a situation has captured the attention of several European bigwigs, including Real Madrid.
The interest from Real Madrid is understandable, considering Eder Militao and David Alaba are the only reliable centre-backs at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal. While Nacho is an able deputy for the two first-choice central defenders, he is only a backup option at best. In addition, Jesus Vallejo does not feature in Ancelotti’s plans and could leave Real Madrid soon amid interest from Valencia.
To that end, Rudiger had emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, particularly because he could have arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu on a Bosman move, just like Alaba last summer. And recent reports had claimed that Rudiger has already verbally agreed to join Real Madrid ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Widespread claims had even pointed towards Los Blancos opening formal talks with the Chelsea defender’s representatives. However, it has now emerged that Rudiger is no longer a key target for Real Madrid, who have cooled their interest in the Chelsea contract rebel.
The report claims that Ancelotti is satisfied with the performances of Militao and Alaba. In addition, Rudiger’s wage demands have been deemed prohibitive for Real Madrid, which is why they have ceased their pursuit of the Chelsea star. It will be interesting to see if the 28-year-old alters his demands to come into contention as a Real Madrid target again or if this is the end of the Merengues’ interest in him.