Real Madrid are emerging as the favourites to sign Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer. The German defender has less than a year left on his current deal and has been unable to reach an agreement with Chelsea about a new contract.
According to reports, the player is unhappy with the financial offer that Chelsea have made to him. As a result, he is in talks with other clubs about a potential free transfer when his deal runs out in June 2022.
Marca suggests that Rudiger currently has a salary worth €105,000 per week, and would like to boost it up to €230,000 a week. While the European Champions are apprehensive about meeting his salary demands, Real Madrid are willing to give him what he wants.
There is still a small chance that the Blues could end up renewing the 28-year-old’s contract before the end of the season. He was crucial to their Champions League victory last season, and is a key figure at the back for Thomas Tuchel.
🚨 Antonio Rüdiger has reached an informal agreement with Real Madrid to join in the summer when his Chelsea contract runs out. His brother, who is also his agent, conducted the talks.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 7, 2021
(Source: @TrikerShaw) pic.twitter.com/QX0yYmbsg3
The manager has stated that he wants Rudiger to stay at the club. But for that to happen, a contract agreement must be reached. Rudiger will officially be allowed to talk to other clubs from the January transfer window, but a pre-contract agreement will certainly put more pressure on the London club and it’s fanbase.
The situations of Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta are also headed in the same direction, posing concerns for Chelsea fans regarding the future.
