Chelsea launch bid for Roma defender Rudiger
ANTONIO CONTE’S search for a new central defender has led Chelsea to make a £30million bid for Roma’s Antonio Rudiger. The Premier League champions have trailed Rudiger without making a move for more than two years, since he first left Stuttgart for the Italian capital. They previously turned down the opportunity to sign the Germany defender when he was available for £13m. Conte, however, has been frustrated in his attempts to land either of his top defensive targets, Virgil van Dijk of Southampton or Leonardo Bonucci of Juventus. The Italian manager has been keen to increase his options at the back to enable him to switch when necessary between a backthree formation, which proved so successful last season, and a back-four. Meanwhile, Nathan Ake left Stamford Bridge yesterday when he completed a £20m transfer to Bournemouth. Chelsea are yet to make a signing this summer but will soon confirm the signing of goalkeeper Willy Caballero from Manchester City.