Romano provides update on Chelsea's links with 'very talented' German starlet
According to English Marca, Real Madrid have been contacted by the agents of Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger once again over the possibility of a transfer move, as a deal for the German defender was put on hold months ago by the Spanish giant due to his wage demands. Juventus and PSG are also thought to be closely monitoring the situation.
It is believed that the 29-year-old centre-back is demanding €55million in wages and a transfer fee for a total of four seasons- which apparently exceeds the package David Alaba was offered when he left Bayern Munich for Los Blancos. That being said, his performance against Los Blancos in the second leg of their latest UEFA Champions League quarter-final tie would have also done his chances of joining them a world of good.
He managed to bag the second goal on the night with an impressive header in the 51st minute. Apart from an unfortunate slip for Karim Benzema’s decider on the night, the German defender had a near-flawless performance. Despite all the off-field chatter going on, Rudiger has consistently put up great displays for the UCL holders.
Antonio Rudiger has become one of our key defenders under Thomas Tuchel in the last couple of seasons. He provides us with a sturdy presence at the bank and a dominating aerial presence. The German defender also offers an aerial threat on set pieces that gives us another option for getting our goals.
The news of Rudiger’s possible departure is even harder to digest considering the fact that Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are also likely to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. While the Spaniard is perhaps slowly approaching the twilight of his career, Christensen and Rudiger are in their prime.
This could leave us with a big void to fill in our defensive setup. The German has a great deal of experience at the elite level, playing 196 matches and bagging 12 goals and seven assists across all competitions for the Blues to date. It won’t be the easiest task for the West Londoners to fill his boots should he make way.
At 29, Rudiger is still in his prime and can offer a few good years to the club should things go his way. Chelsea could have new owners at the club in the near future and it would be interesting to see what their strategy is regarding the ex-AS Roma star.
Logic would point towards them wanting to keep Rudiger given his importance to Tuchel’s defensive setup but then again, transfer dealings are more complicated than that. Wage demands, Rudiger’s own ambitions, and the club’s stance on whether the German can be aptly replaced in the near future are just some of the factors that can play a part in this potential move.
Madrid are certainly one of the biggest clubs in the world, but so are Chelsea. The Blues would be smart to strengthen- rather than weaken- this summer if they dream of challenging two juggernauts in Manchester City and Liverpool. If Rudiger goes, it is safe to say a majority of our fanbase would be wanting the club to replace him with quality in our starting XI.
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