The race to sign Antonio Rudiger continues to be wide open, and Real Madrid are back in it. Los Merengues were one of the early favorites to get him on a free transfer from Chelsea. However, they considered his contractual requests too high, but things might have changed lately.
According to Marca, the agents of the defender reached out to the Spanish team following the recent Champions League tilt. The German international was reportedly impressed with what he saw in the trip to the Spanish Capital, and he would like to join them.
On the other hand, Real Madrid had previously balked at the lofty demands by Rudiger. Considering his wages and a mammoth commission, they would have to pay €55M net in the next four years. Los Galacticos have yet to decide whether to make any addition to their defense. They are in talks to extend Eder Militao’s contract, and they might stop there.
Juventus are seen as one of the top contenders for the Chelsea center-back. However, they have begun looking around for potential alternatives. In recent weeks, before the contacts with Real Madrid, Rudiger and his entourage talked with Barcelona, but they could not strike a deal.
The Blues are not out of the running either, although they are in a holding pattern given the pending takeover following the sanctions against Roman Abramovic. The suitors figure to have an advantage if the defender prefers making a choice sooner rather than later. He would not come cheap despite his contractual situation, though.