Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Tottenham Hotspur: Antonio Rüdiger transfer update emerges
According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham will ramp up their pursuit of Chelsea defender Antonio Rüdiger amid intense competition from rival suitors.
The Lowdown: Rüdiger feels disrespected
Football Insider previously reported that the 28-year-old is furious with Chelsea after being offered less money than Mason Mount to stay at the club and that he is planning to quit the Blues as a result, having said that he feels disrespected.
The Germany international has played a vital role in Thomas Tuchel’s side this season, featuring in more games than any other outfield player. This includes a full 90 minutes in all of his 17 league appearances, having not been involved on just one occasion.
Rüdiger’s current £115k-per-week deal is set to expire in the summer, and clubs are drafting up contract offers ahead of the January window in a bid to secure the 28-year-old’s services.
The Latest: Tottenham to step up Rüdiger pursuit
According to reports by Football Insider, Tottenham will step up their bid to lure Rüdiger away from Chelsea in the January transfer window, following increased competition from rival suitors.
A Spurs insider has said that the next few days will be crucial in the Lilywhites’ efforts to persuade the defender to make the switch across London, with talks set to take place behind the scenes.
Recruitment chief Fabio Paratici recognises that a myriad of clubs will be attempting to do the same thing in January, so Spurs are making it clear to Rüdiger how strongly he is wanted by Antonio Conte.
The Verdict: Too good to pass up
Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand has been reiterating Rüdiger’s importance to this Chelsea side. Speaking to FIVE (via Metro), he said: “Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League. Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”
Paratici and Conte are prioritising the addition of an elite centre-back in the January transfer window and Spurs have been monitoring various world-class defenders, including the likes of Stefan de Vrij and Matthijs de Ligt. However, to sign such elite footballers will take a sizeable fee, and with a comparable player in Rüdiger available on a free next summer, this deal seems too good not to pursue.
In other news – The ‘Next Buffon’: Long-term Tottenham target seeks exit; Ancelotti claimed he’s ‘special’
