Juventus had recently been indicated as one of the suitors for Antonio Rudiger. They appear to have stepped up their interest in recent days. They are looking for a long-term replacement for Giorgio Chiellini in the back, considering his age and injury troubles.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Bianconeri have surpassed Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the race to sign the Chelsea defender on a Bosman move. He was already considering leaving London before the UK government levied heavy sanctions against Roman Abramovich. As things stand, the Blues could not even offer him a new contract.
The Merengues are keen on Rudiger, but they have not made a strong move yet, differently from Juventus. Reports from Spain suggested that the center-back asked them for €8M per season in the early talks. Real Madrid are biding their time, while Bayern Munich are against handing out large wages.
The Bianconeri have offered slightly less, but they are optimistic, Gazzetta inform. They proposed a €7M salary for the next four years. The counterpart is in agreement on the length of the contract. The parties have begun discussing further aspects, such as the commissions for the agents.
Juventus tendered the same wages as Vlahovic and Dybala to Rudiger. The sum is believed to be their new limit. In this case, they would significantly save on taxes since he would join from abroad. It would be his second spell in Serie A, as he spent two seasons at Roma in the past.