Roma defender Antonio Rudiger has insisted that he has no interest in sitting down and discussing a move to Chelsea in January amid further speculation.
The German international was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, and as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, those rumours have resurfaced with the January transfer window fast approaching.
However, he isn’t even entertaining the idea of leaving the Italian capital in the New Year, as he has ambitions of staying with Luciano Spalletti’s squad and helping them enjoy a successful season this year, with Gazzetta reporting that he said he “doesn’t even want to sit down and listen to an offer”.
Rudiger was forced to miss Euro 2016 after suffering an unfortunate and serious knee injury just before the tournament began.
Nevertheless, it came after he had overcome some early difficulties in Serie A to establish himself as a key figure in the Roma defence and he has now rediscovered that level of performance this year since returning.
The 23-year-old has made three Serie A appearance so far this season, and has helped Roma keep two clean sheets in those outings as his influence at the back is evident.
In turn, it doesn’t sound as though he has any desire whatsoever to move to England at this stage, and Roma certainly won’t want to lose him midway through the campaign.
As a result, the situation could change in the summer, but as far as January goes, Conte will have to look elsewhere to bolster his defensive options.
The Italian tactician has seen his side turn things around since the switch to a back three, but he will hope to continue to strengthen the Chelsea squad in the transfer windows ahead.