Antonio Rudiger is set to leave Chelsea this summer. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Juventus vice president Pavel Nedved has addressed the links to Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger ahead of the summer transfer window. The defender’s current contract situation has resulted in lots of talks over the past few months, which has intensified following the sanctions imposed on the club.
Rudiger is in line to become a free agent at the end of this campaign and is legally able to reach a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England. Juve, alongside Real Madrid, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, have been linked with a move for the central defender. They became much more ramped up following the restriction put on the Blues by the UK Government. As such, they can no longer renew contracts or engage in talks over an extension.
Speaking to the Italian streaming platform Infinity (h/t Fabrizio Romano via Twitter), Nedved has played down the rumours of a move from the Bianconeri‘s side for the German centre-back. The club vice president has admitted that he has seen those claims but has revealed that there is no weight behind them at this moment.
“I’ve seen some stories around about Rudiger and Juventus. He’s a very good player but he’s under contract with Chelsea.”
There are rising concerns among the fanbase regarding the prospect of the 29-year-old defender staying with us after this campaign. That is understandable since he is arguably the most important cog in Thomas Tuchel’s defensive setup. Not to mention, his commanding presence at the back helped us to have the second-best defence in the league this season.
We cannot even think about the possibility of losing the Premier League star as his exit could be detrimental to our future success. It is imperative that we must secure his services for the long term by reaching an agreement with him over a contract extension.
Recently, it was stated that we had an agreement with the Blues ace over his personal demands. That would mean that he has plans to stay with us after all despite other interested parties trying to prise him away from us. Unfortunately, the sanction has put a halt to the progress that was made, and we are forced to be in a state of limbo for now.
While Nedved has brushed aside talks of a transfer, it would be best to be wary about them. Fortunately, it should not matter if they have an interest or not if the German international has plans to stay with us moving forward. For that to happen, the government enabled sanctions must be lifted as soon as possible and we are hopeful that the club can find a solution soon enough.
It remains to be seen how this situation regarding Rudiger would pan out in the coming months ahead of the next term. Only time will give us an answer in this case, although the recent updates could shine a light on what lies in store if the restrictions are lifted shortly.
Jadon Sancho has hit the ground running in his season-long loan at Chelsea, with the Blues eyeing a permanent deal…
Chelsea appear to be rediscovering their form under Enzo Maresca, aiming for a top-four finish as they currently sit third…
In their bid to further bolster their defense, Chelsea are aiming to make a big move for the star right-back…
Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League There has…
Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres is on the radar of Chelsea Chelsea are riding high in the Premier League, sitting…
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca eyeing defensive reinforcements in January Chelsea could well find themselves in the market to improve their…
