Tally of clubs circling over pivotal Chelsea star totals five, with key factor at play
Bayern Munich and Juventus have joined the transfer hunt for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger amid his uncertain future, according to a report.
The 28-year-old has less than a year left on his contract, but has shown no signs of penning an extension. As such, he will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January, a key factor in his situation.
Chelsea, therefore, would ideally like to make progress – or even extend Rudiger’s terms – before then.
Speaking last week, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel said last week that he hopes to find a solution. However, he admitted that it is not just down to him whether the centre-back signs again.
Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have had some of the stronger ties to a deal for Rudiger for some time.
PSG mastered the free agent market this summer, bringing in Lionel Messi – among others – in such circumstances. Tottenham have also had links, in a route which could keep Rudiger in London.
According to Calciomercato, though, Juventus and Bayern have also now joined the hunt for the German.
Juventus are facing financial troubles, not helped by Cristiano Ronaldo’s early departure from his contract. However, they would likely have a better chance if Rudiger was a free agent.
The same goes for Real Madrid, who only spent this summer to bring in midfielder Edouardo Camavinga from Rennes.
Although, Madrid also have eyes on striker duo Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
The fact that Rudiger can seal a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club in January is significant.
PSG’s ex-Liverpool man Georginio Wijnaldum found himself in a similar situation last season and had talks with Barcelona and Inter Milan.
However, he eventually picked a move to the French giants, whose project he saw as the best option.
Tuchel reveals Rudiger, Chelsea issues
Rudiger netted during Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday, as he continued his 100 per cent attendance record at the heart of the defence this season.
Indeed, he rounded off the scoring after earlier goals from Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante’s deflected shot.
But he almost did not play at all. Tuchel said of his late arrival to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: “I was not concerned but it is strange when your player arrives late.
“He had some passport issues. It was like this in the first half. We were there but not fully there. I was glad we were able to overcome these situations.”
Rudiger to Bayern or Juve – TEAMtalk’s verdict
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