Real Madrid is back in the hunt for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, with the player available on a free transfer at the end of the season.
After arriving from Serie A side Roma, Rudiger, 29, signed a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
But he is yet to sign an extension, meaning that as things stand, he will leave the club this summer.
Due to Roman Abramovich’s situation, Chelsea cannot offer Rudiger a new deal, which means he could leave the club.
Reports have emerged from The Athletic that Rudiger would like to stay at Chelsea, with the love shown by the Blues fans and the trust of Thomas Tuchel, reportedly encouraging him to sign a new contract when he can.
Could Rudiger join Real Madrid?
However, despite the reports suggesting Rudiger wants to stay at Chelsea.
ESPN has reported that Real Madrid is now keen on adding him to their backline
When Rudiger’s contract situation was first brought to light, Real Madrid was the heavy favourite to land his signature.
But their desire to sign the Germany international fell away with the form of Eder Militao picking up.
However, Carlo Ancelotti’s team are now understood to be back in for Rudiger.
The report suggests Real Madrid was incredibly impressed with how the defender performed in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Chelsea, and it’s convinced them that a move would be a good idea.
Real Madrid has joined rivals Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus to show an interest in Rudiger.
He has garnered attention from Europe’s biggest clubs following his form since Tuchel took charge at Chelsea.
Barcelona is also reportedly close to agreeing on a deal for Rudiger’s current teammate Andreas Christensen.
He will also become a free agent once his contract at Chelsea expires in the summer.
A proposed move for Kylian Mbappe is complicated by his potential desire to stay at PSG.
Real Madrid is now keen to add a defender of Rudiger’s quality to their squad.
Nacho Fernandez and Dani Carvajal have filled in alongside David Alaba at the heart of the Real Madrid defence in recent weeks.
This may have added to their wish to sign Rudiger, given Carvajal is a full-back.
And Nacho has never been first-choice at the Santiago Bernabeu.
It seems as though adding Rudiger and Mbappe is the goal for Real Madrid this summer, both on free transfers.
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