FC Barcelona enter the race for Chelsea defensive ace

Transfer News: FC Barcelona are keen on signing Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger

According to SkySports, Barcelona are interested in luring Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea amidst his contract stand-off with the Stamford Bridge outfit. 

Antonio Rudiger has developed into one of the best defenders in the world in the last few seasons. The German defender is undoubtedly one of the most important players for Thomas Tuchel and has given everything that has been asked of him. The 28-year-old has made 27 appearances in this campaign. Furthermore, the former Roma man single-handedly turned the tide in Blues favour in several games. 

However, it seems Rudiger’s growing stature is beginning to become too big for Chelsea. The German star only has six months left in his contract and hasn’t shown any interest to pen down a new deal. It is believed that The 28-year-old refused to sign a renewal deal from Chelsea, which only offered him halved the wages than the club’s leading earners. Blues certainly have to make him the highest-paid defender in the league to keep hold of him. 

Some of the European elites have kept a tab on Rudiger’s situation. Manchester United are also not separate from the pack. It is believed that Red Devils’ new interim manager Ralf Rangnick shares a good relationship with the brother of the German defender, who is also his agent.

Currently, it is believed that Barcelona have ented the race. The Catalan team’s central defender Gerard Pique is closing the twilight years of his career. Therefore, Joan Laporta’s board could fancy relacing him with Rudiger. 

There is massive speculation surrounding Rudiger’s future. But it is believed that the German is calm about the situation and knows that more Premier League teams would come with a better offer when he becomes a free agent. 

More Chelsea News

• “Outclassed”- Some fans react as Chelsea beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at Stamford Bridge
• Chelsea “increasingly interested” in 21-year-old midfield prodigy ahead of summer transfer window
• Transfer News: Milan enter the race for 28-year-old Chelsea superstar amidst contract uncertainty

Rudiger’s contract dilemma hasn’t affected his commitment to the Chelsea team. The 28-year-old has been giving his best and is currently only the fit first-choice centre back for Thomas Tuchel. The former Roman man’s values are immense. Therefore, Blues priority should be finding a way to keep him. 

Barcelona has lost their financial power, and it’s improbable that they could manage Rudiger’s wages without breaking the financial regulations. Therefore the interest seems irrelevant.