Transfer News: Barcelona lead Real Madrid in the race to sign Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger. (Image: via OneFootball licensed images)
According to Marca (h/t The Daily Mail), Real Madrid have identified Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger as their top transfer target for the January window.
The German international looked to be on his way out of the club a year ago. However, Thomas Tuchel’s appointment has given him a new lease of life at Stamford Bridge.
Rudiger is today among the German manager’s first choice stars and a stalwart at the back for the Blues. His impressive performances of late have seen the likes of Real clamour for his signature.
The 28-year-old is currently in the final few months of his Chelsea contract. He has already rejected a new deal worth around £125,000-per-week. Rudiger will be free to agree to a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January 1 onwards.
His situation at the Bridge has attracted Real who believe Rudiger can fill the void left by Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane. According to the report, Los Blancos will begin negotiations with the Chelsea star in January as they have made him a priority target.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side does not have a clear pathway to landing the German international. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are also in the fray and are yet to make their move.
The player for his part is in no hurry to make a decision. He is willing to listen to offers in January before making a call. It does not augur well for Chelsea who may now have to significantly up their offer.
Real have shown themselves to be generous when needed. After all, no expense was spared in the signing of David Alava earlier in the summer, despite the club’s financial problems.
Whether they will go all out to also land Rudiger remains to be seen.
Rudiger missed Germany’s final training session with a back issue and it remains to be seen how serious it is. One of the club’s standout performers, he could miss the clash at the weekend against Brentford.
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