Transfer News: Four European giants vying for soon to be Chelsea free agent

Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger favours Real Madrid move but Bayern, PSG, and Manchester United remain in contention

According to Christian Falk of the BILD on Twitter, Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger prefers to sign for Real Madrid next summer. However, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United are still in the race to land his services.

The centre-back has a largely uncertain six months ahead of him, as he looks likely to be a free agent at the end of the season. It has been deemed that he is demanding £400,000-per-week in wages, but that is not the truth. The Blues have offered him a salary of £8.5million-per-year, but Rudiger is willing to ‘negotiate’ for a wage bill between £12-15million-per-year. 

Real Madrid are the frontrunners for a potential move, with the German favouring a transfer to the Spanish capital. However, Bayern Munich are still in contact with the defender and have not been put off by his salary demands, despite speculation. French giants, PSG are also another horse in the race, and they have already begun negotiations. 

The player’s agent and brother, Sahr Senesie, had a meeting with the French club’s sporting director Leonardo. However, they are yet to make a decision on a potential deal. Man United are also interested in a move as Ralf Rangnick shares a good relationship with Senesie. The Red Devils boss has signalled his intentions to land the German international.

Chelsea are sitting on a world-class talent

The crème da le crème of world football want Rudiger in their squad. This alone should tell Chelsea the talent of the individual and his ability to continually produce quality performances. Replacing a player of his quality will not be an easy task.

It is odd that the Blues have the opportunity to keep him at Stamford Bridge but are not really going out of their way to do so. Every club has a transfer policy, and it is good to adhere to it. The West London club have few players above the age of 30.

It has been a concerted effort to promote the youth and incorporate them with players at the peak of their professional careers. However, defenders have often played well into their thirties and Rudiger could very well do so too.

At 28, Rudiger is nowhere near the end of his career. Instead, he is in his prime and is when available a key member of the Blues first team. Whether he is enjoying his last dance at the Bridge or an agreement can be reached upon in the coming months remains to be seen.

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This would be a different conversation if we had a replacement lined up. Regardless, if the German international is to leave next summer, the Blues would be hoping he joins a foreign club rather than a Premier League rival.