Antonio Rudiger has reportedly initiated formal discussions with Real Madrid to reach a pre-contract agreement for a Bosman move in the summer.
According to a report by Sky Sports, Antonio Rudiger has formally opened talks with Real Madrid over a possible free transfer in the summer transfer window. Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus have also initiated discussions with the Chelsea defender’s representatives.
Antonio Rudiger joined Chelsea from AS Roma in July 2017 and has since endured a topsy-turvy ride at Stamford Bridge. However, the German international has been one of the most consistent performers for the Blues since they appointed Thomas Tuchel as Frank Lampard’s replacement last year.
To date, Rudiger has turned out 175 times for Chelsea, chipping in with nine goals and seven assists in the process. However, the west Londoners are in a spot of bother over the 28-year-old’s long-term future, as he is in the final year of his contract, with developments over a renewal being eerily slow. Such a situation has captured the attention of Real Madrid.
David Alaba has made quite an impression at Real Madrid since arriving on a free transfer last summer. However, there is very little quality beyond Alaba and Real Madrid’s other first-choice centre-back Eder Militao, with Nacho a backup option at best and Jesus Vallejo failing to impress Carlo Ancelotti.
As a result, it behoves Real Madrid to invest in a centre-back at the earliest opportunity, which explains the interest in Antonio Rudiger. With a chunk of their budget likely to be spent on securing the services of Erling Haaland, it is understandable why Los Blancos would want to sign the Chelsea defender on a free transfer.
To that end, Rudiger has reportedly verbally agreed to join Real Madrid. And now, the Spanish giants have initiated formal discussions to reach a pre-contract agreement with him. The 28-year-old can indeed begin talks with foreign clubs as he has entered the final six months of his Chelsea contract.
However, Real Madrid will need to move quickly to secure Rudiger’s signature as Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also in talks with his representatives. Meanwhile, Chelsea will be eager to somehow tie the German international down to a new contract, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for him.