Chelsea have been on the hunt for a new defender for months, and the lack of progress is starting to make the Blues fans in the Football Transfer Tavern very nervous…
Reported moves for players like Leonardo Bonucci and Alessio Romagnoli appear unlikely for the Blues, and Antonio Conte is seemingly going to have to think outside the box if he wants to land a top central defender for his steadily improving Chelsea side.
Conte is a man with a plan, however, and he has reportedly set his sights on yet another defensive option.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are eyeing a move for German defender Antonio Rudiger – who has recently returned ahead of schedule from a long-term injury layoff.
Currently playing for AS Roma, the Daily Mail report that the Blues were keen on a deal over the summer – but his injury prevented the move from progressing.
Interestingly, they also add that any deal for the defender will not be easy. Both Man Utd and Man City are reportedly keen – and Conte will have a fight on his hands to land Rudiger. A £35 million deal, they add, could be enough to test AS Roma’s resolve.
At just 23-years-old, Rudiger is young enough for his long-term injury lay-off to have little effect on his long-term progression, with a few of the punters in the Football Transfer Tavern touting him as the next big thing in German defending.
Able to play at both right and central defence, Rudiger’s versatility will no doubt be of interest to Antonio Conte, whom has been experimenting with different formations as of late.
Our landlord, however, has thrown doubt into the suggestion that Chelsea could land Rudiger – and has suggested that an injury to Man Utd star Eric Bailly may force Man Utd into the move. He adds that Chelsea would struggle to keep up with the financial might of Jose Mourinho’s side.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Antonio Conte has a lot of work on his hands to ensure that the Blues come out on top.
Chelsea and Man Utd fans – thoughts?
Let us know below!
