Blues in for Rud
CHELSEA have stepped up their hunt for a new defender by opening talks with Roma over Antonio Rudiger.
But the clubs are still far apart on a fee with the Italians demanding £39.6m for the German ace (right).
Rudiger’s agent is expected in London this weekend after
Chelsea switched their attention away from his team-mate Kostas Manolas, who is set to join Zenit St Petersburg.
But the Blues are willing to pay only around £30m for the 16-times capped star.
Chelsea have had Rudiger, 24, on their radar for several years but have gone back to him after failing to make progress on any of their top targets.
Both Juventus star Leandro Bonucci and Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk were higher on boss Antonio Conte’s wishlist.
But Rudiger’s versatility also appeals because he can play in multiple defensive positions.
Chelsea sold Nathan Ake to Bournemouth for £20m yesterday and have also let John Terry go.
Andreas Christensen has returned from his loan at Borussia Monchengladbach but the club still want to bring in at least one defender.
Chelsea also expect to complete the signing of Juventus wing-back Alex Sandro despite late interest from Paris St-Germain.
The Blues have made over £120m in player sales over the last six months but could be set to spend much more than that in the summer window.
Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko looks set to be the first arrival in a £35m transfer that could be announced today.