With Chelsea unable to speak to their players about extending their contracts, Antonio Rudiger, linked with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United, looks set to become a free agent this summer.
As well as the German international, the Blues are also facing the possibility of losing Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta at the end of June too.
The trio aren’t going to be short of suitors and the Telegraph recently reported that Newcastle are set to enter the race to sign Rudiger.
With Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley in attendance at Stamford Bridge yesterday, PIF had the opportunity to gaze over Rudiger and see the immense quality he possesses.
Eddie Howe went with a back three against the reigning European and world champions, picking Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Burn has been a revelation since joining from Brighton on deadline day and Alan Shearer has praised the towering defender for his ‘magnificent’ impact.
Schar has been galvanised since Howe joined the club and Lascelles was brought back into the starting line-up for the first time since the 3-1 win against Everton last month.
It’s no disrespect to the trio that started yesterday, but none carry the same class and panache as Rudiger.
Barring a late lapse in concentration, Burn produced yet another faultless performance at the heart of Newcastle’s defence and he would likely thrive and flourish even further, playing alongside the pacey and dominant Rudiger.
The former Roma man is very much a dominant and on the front foot defender who trusts that his quick turn of foot ensures he can keep up with some of the quickest forwards around.
Comfortable in possession, the 29-year-old drives forward out of defence, adding impetus to the Blues attack which forces the opposition to break their defensive lines and commit to making a challenge.
He’s very much a Rolls-Royce of a defender who loves a good old fashione scrap and the Champions League winner isn’t going to be short of offers.
With Premier League safety nearing ever closer, PIFs focus will naturally turn to going big the summer transfer window.
Signing Rudiger, who is undoubtedly in his prime, would be a huge statement of intent by the club’s Saudi-led consortium.
One man that Rudiger has impressed with his consistency is former England centre-back Rio Ferdinand.
Speaking on a recent FIVE podcast about Rudiger, Ferdinand said: “Rudiger’s been sick. Rudiger for me has been the most consistent centre-back in the league since Tuchel arrived.
“He’s an absolute animal.”
With Antonio Rudiger not commanding a transfer fee, the world’s richest club could convince Chelsea’s number two that St James’ Park is the project for him with an enticing wage package.
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