Chelsea are readying a £20 million offer for VfB Stuttgart star Antonio Rudiger, reports talkSPORT.
The 22-year-old has been the subject of an enquiry from AS Roma according to Sky Italia [via talkSPORT], but the Serie A side’s offer was quickly turned down. This will have given the Blues renewed hope that they can get their man, even though Arsenal are also interested [Daily Express].
Having made his international debut just over a year ago, the youngster is on the up in football. This has only been helped by a full season of playing in the Bundesliga. However, a recent knee injury has somewhat stalled his progress, and could put off any prospective buyers.
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The Blues could see the defender as an alternative to Everton star John Stones, who they have been linked to along with Manchester United [ESPN]. With the Toffees insisting that the player is not for sale [The Guardian], and the extra competition for his signature, it could be that the Stamford Bridge outfit have decided to turn their attention to a different target.
Rudiger and Stones are ostensibly very similar.
Both have made their international debut over the last 18 months, and have been playing regularly in their respective leagues for the same amount of time. They both possess a physical presence, and are also mobile players who are good in possession. With centre-back a position where players tend to mature later in their careers, it is impressive that two so young have made such progress and it is tantalising to imagine how the pair could develop.
Chelsea are on the lookout for a centre-back to eventually take over from the ageing John Terry. Now 34-years-old, the club captain cannot be expected to play regularly for too much longer.