LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Antonio Rudiger of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on December 26, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Chelsea Defender to Bide Time Before Signing with Juventus

Juventus are highly interested in Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer, but they are not on the verge of putting him under contract, contrary to recent reports. They are leading the race in case he left Chelsea. However, the defender has decided to wait to see what happens with his current club, Sky Italy informs.

The Blues are currently going through a sale following the sanctions against Roman Abramovich. Multiple tycoons have bid to purchase the London outfit, and the process will take a while. The takeover might take might take a month, if not more, to be completed.

Rudiger is prioritizing the Pensioners, leaving Juventus in a holding pattern. There is no telling who their future owner will be and especially how the next management will operate on the transfer market, in particular regarding their players on expiring contracts. With three months left on his deal, the German international remains hopeful Chelsea could make him a strong offer.

Juventus began eyeing Rudiger to try pouncing on the opportunity to add a star on a free transfer. They reportedly tendered to him close to €7M per year, which is basically their new cap on salaries. Giorgio Chiellini might retire in the summer if Italy does not qualify for the World Cup. In any case, he no longer plays consistently given his age and injury history. Leonardo Bonucci has had a tough season in terms of physical problems too. Moreover, there is no shortage of rich suitors for Matthijs De Ligt.