da betsson： According to The Mirror, Roma centre-back Antonio Rudiger has travelled to London to complete a £36m move to Chelsea, despite late interest from Manchester City.
What’s the story?
da dobrowin： Chelsea have been linked with moves for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk and Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci in this summer’s transfer window, but it is understood that head coach Antonio Conte has become frustrated in his pursuit of the duo.
Reports last week claimed that Conte had switched his attention to Roma defender Rudiger, with the Italian confident of sealing a move for the German international.
It was then claimed that Man City had entered the race for Rudiger as Pep Guardiola looked to convince the 24-year-old to snub interest from Chelsea to join the Citizens.
However, according to The Mirror, Chelsea have held off interest from their Manchester rivals to seal a move for the German, who has only just returned from Russia after helping his country land the 2017 Confederations Cup crown.
What can Chelsea supporters expect?
It is understood that Chelsea will pay an initial £31m for Rudiger, with the deal potentially rising to £36m in add-ons depending on appearances.
Rudiger joined Roma from Bundesliga side Stuttgart in 2015 – initially on loan – and has made 72 appearances for the Italian giants over the last couple of seasons.
Last season, the powerful defender scored once in five Europa League appearances, whilst he managed two assists in 26 Serie A matches as Roma finished as runners-up to Juventus in Italy’s top flight.
The departures of John Terry and Nathan Ake have left Chelsea short of centre-backs entering the new campaign, whilst it is understood that Kurt Zouma is also considering his future as the Frenchman targets first-team football ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
Conte had seemingly been pursing Van Dijk and Bonucci, but both of those defenders were said to be rated in excess of £60m by Southampton and Juventus respectively, and a £36m deal for Rudiger certainly makes financial sense for the Premier League champions.
Tall, strong, quick and accomplished on the ball, Rudiger could turn out to be a very smart signing for Chelsea at a fair price.
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