A View From The Bridge

Transfer News: La Liga giants show interest in 28-year-old Chelsea star

Barcelona have entered the race to sign Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger

According to Dean Jones from transfer insider via Twitter (h/t The Express), Barcelona have joined the pursuit to sign Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger. The Spanish giants are also believed to be closing in on signing the defensive duo of Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta.

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the immediate future of Rudiger at the club. The German international is also said to be attracting interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. He has become an integral part of the backline under Thomas Tuchel.

It was being claimed that Chelsea offered the 28-year-old a new contract that would see him pocket £200,000-a-week but he has been holding out for £225,000-a-week in wages. His current tension with the Blues has seen many suitors lining up for his services and the Catalan giants have also entered the race.

Barcelona are thought to have entered the race for Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger

The Spanish club have been pretty impressive in the January transfer windows. They have snapped up exciting attackers like Ferran Torres and Adama Traore. They also managed a crunch deadline day deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Barcelona could now be looking to add some defensive reinforcements to their squad.

Barcelona, Antonio Rudiger, and Chelsea’s alarming defensive issue

Whilst the likes of Gerard Pique have a dearth of experience, the Spanish defender is in his 30s and the Catalonian club could be looking for a suitable long-term replacement. The former AS Roma defender has a great aerial presence and his experience at the elite level is another plus point.

Rudiger, Christensen, and Azpilicueta’s current contracts expire at the end of the summer. It would prove to be a big blow if any of them were to leave on a free transfer at the end of the campaign. Thomas Tuchel is a great admirer of the German international.

Antonio Rudiger’s current contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season

He has showered his praises on the 28-year-old defender time and again. The German manager could be left scrapping for other options should all three of them depart. The former VfB Stuttgart defender has played an integral role in guiding the Stamford Bridge outfit to the UEFA Champions League title last season.

More Chelsea News

With each passing day, the possibility of Rudiger departing the club seems more of a reality. There is also an air of uncertainty looming around the future of the Danish and Spanish central defenders. This could really leave Chelsea in a vulnerable spot.

Whilst the London-based club would be looking to do everything in their power to keep their key players at the club, only time will tell if Rudiger stays at Stamford Bridge or is prised away to another place.

Glenn Fernandes

Recent Posts

Chelsea shortlist two names as Maresca keen to strengthen one key area

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…

3 hours ago

Chelsea ready to cash in on £20m star in January

Chelsea are willing to offload Carney Chukwuemeka in January amid interest from Ipswich Town Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has some…

4 hours ago

Noni Madueke praises Cole Palmer, and says he doesn’t have a ceiling

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has sung the praises of his teammate, Cole Palmer, describing him as a player with extraordinary…

1 week ago

Fan Power: How Chelsea Fans Could Stop Stamford Bridge Move

Ask any matchday Chelsea fan who the CPO are, and they’ll tell you that it stands for the Chelsea Pitch…

3 weeks ago

Chelsea and Arsenal in pursuit of €427,308 per week striker

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a signing move for the Juventus Center forward in winter.

3 weeks ago

Former Arsenal star raves about Chelsea’s midfield maestro

Cole Palmer is taking the headlines for the performances he has been putting in since moving to Chelsea in the…

1 month ago