Real Madrid have been tracking Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger for some time, and now it looks like they are closer to signing him.
The German international defender has been a key figure in the London club since arriving from Rome in 2017 and has taken his game to the next level under Thomas Tuchel, who does not want him to leave.
However, Athletic reports that Rudiger is ready for a new challenge and has suspended contract negotiations, making him comfortable talking to foreign clubs from January 1, 2022, and signing a summer signing contract for free.
Sources suggest that Antonio Rudiger is currently at 105,000 euros (90,000 pounds) but still expects close to 230,000 euros (200,000 pounds). With Chelsea and Rudiger unable to find a number that agrees with both sides, he looks set to continue, which will be welcome news for those at Real Madrid.
There is still little chance of Rudiger renewing with Chelsea, but he looks closer to the exit than before.
Rudiger was the key to Chelsea’s victory in the 2021 UEFA Champions League, the first German player’s game.
In addition, he has won the 2019 UEFA Europa League and has one FA Cup and a UEFA Super Cup under his belt at Chelsea.
After signing in 2017, Rudiger may feel that this is the right time to try to win silverware abroad, as he approaches his 29th birthday on March 2022.