Real Madrid ready to present massive offer to Chelsea defender to hijack Barcelona deal

Antonio Rudiger’s situation at Chelsea has been one of the talking points built into the coming transfer window. The German is in the final year of his contract and has not renewed his deal with the London outfit.

The difference between the player and Chelsea’s idea of the new salary is keeping the two parties from coming to a conclusion. Rudiger has tabled a demand of €12 million, a figure that Roman Abramovich has denied meeting.

That said, a move away from Stamford Bridge seems to be edging closer to a reality for Rudiger. He is considered one of the most experienced centre-backs in Europe, and many clubs are vying for his signature.

As such, El Nacional report an update regarding the defender’s situation and potential transfer.

Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are some of the top teams apart from Barcelona looking to sign the centre-back in the coming window. His contract ends in June, but he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January.

Barcelona do not have the financial muscle that other competitors boast of, putting them at a disadvantage. The €12 million figure is a fee too high for the Catalans to offer, especially given their dangerously high wage bill. Consequently, Real Madrid are ready to match Rudger’s request in the hope of pushing Barcelona out of negotiations.

That said, Barcelona can offer the defender a guaranteed starting position, something other clubs cannot. Real Madrid have David Alaba and Eder Militao, neither of whom can be easily benched at the moment. On the contrary, Barcelona’s defence has been in shambles, and the German could walk his way into the starting lineup every week.

Xavi Hernandez has requested reinforcements in defence, but so has Carlo Ancelloti of Real Madrid. And it seems the two teams are constantly clashing their heads at potential targets, with Jules Kounde, too, said to be on the radar of both.

It will surely be trickier for Barcelona to sign players compared to Madrid, who have created room in their team after selling players. An exciting summer window awaits the arch-rivals.