Chelsea finally have something to cheer about this summer as reports from Sky Sports has quoted that Antonio Rudiger’s representatives have arrived in London to complete the proposed £34 million deal for the defender and everything is expected to be finalized over the next 48 hours.
The Blues surely haven’t recovered after missing out on their prime target Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, but they haven’t wasted much time in strengthening the other departments. Chelsea have cashed in an initial £29 million fee for the 24-year-old with the rest being the extra add-ons, reports Guardian.
The same source also added that the Blues first tried testing AS Roma’s resolve by opening up the offer from €35m, but were firmly rejected by the capital club. The second bid, of around €33m (£29m) offer which also includes an extra €5m (£4.3m) in bonus payments, however, was accepted. Furthermore, the Germany international, who will reportedly sign a five-year deal with the Blues will earn near to €4m (£3.5m) a season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have been heavily linked with the likes of Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci, Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk and AS Roma’s Kostas Manolas, but somehow failed to conclude the negotiation. The same hasn’t been the case with Antonio Rudiger, though. The Blues were in a dire need of a defensive reinforcement given the fact that John Terry left club, while Nathan Ake was sold to Bournemouth recently. And Rudiger’s arrival will only add more steel to Chelsea’s squad.
German football expert Raphael Honigstein was spot on his analysis of the player as explained that Rudiger will be a perfect fit for Antonio Conte mainly because the Italian tactician favours a three-at-the-back tactic. Besides, he also outlined the fact that the Italian style of play has helped Rudiger a lot and he has improved his abilities by time.
“He’s made huge progress since moving to Roma from Stuttgart,” Honigstein said on ESPN FC of Rudiger (h/t Daily Express).
“I think he’s very much benefited from Italian mentalities as far as defending is concerned.
“He benefits from the new fashion of three at the back, which helps his game. He’s been tried as a right-back in the past which wasn’t really his forte.
“I think that’s where his game can really still improve. He’s had a great couple of years in terms of development and with a good coach and good team he can develop further.
“I don’t necessarily think he’s one of the best centre-backs in the world just yet.”
