Real Madrid are currently leading the race for Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger. The player only has six months remaining on his current deal and will be able to walk out as a free agent in the summer. He has been offered a new contract by Chelsea, but has not yet agreed to the terms.
The main issue is the difference in terms of financial terms. The player wants a better salary, but Chelsea are not quite prepared to meet his demands. That said, Blues manager Thomas Tuchel has said that he wants his fellow countryman to stay at the club.
How can Real Madrid match Rudiger’s demands?
Rudiger himself loves London and Chelsea, and wants to continue playing for the European Champions. However, that will not be possible unless a new contract is signed by the player before it runs out in the summer.
While Chelsea are still negotiating with Rudiger about his future, Real Madrid are prepared to offer the player the money he wants. Since Marcelo and Gareth Bale will be leaving the club at the end of the season, a significant portion of their wage books will be freed up. They will be able to spend that money to keep an elite defender like Rudiger in the lineup instead.
The German centre-back has been one of Chelsea’s best players in recent weeks. He recently starred in their 3-2 win over Leeds United, and is a leader at the back as well. Currently at the peak of his abilities, he is attracting interest from the likes of Bayern Munich and PSG as well, but Real Madrid are the club that are in front for his signature if he must leave Stamford Bridge.