It would not be a transfer quite as high on the controversy scale as Sol Campbell’s iconic move from one side of North London to the other but it’s fair to say Antonio Rudiger would not be a particularly popular figure at Stamford Bridge if he puts pen to paper with Tottenham Hotspur next year.
It’s the rumour that doesn’t die, limping gamely along despite being riddled with bullet holes.
Rudiger reportedly turned down the chance to join Tottenham during the final day of the 2020 summer transfer window, according to Goal.
“I was close (to leaving),” Rudiger explained to Sky Sports.
“There was a call with (then-Spurs manager Jose) Mourinho but this is something that, at the end of the day, didn’t happen.”
Tottenham just won’t take no for an answer though. And, with the £29 million Germany international just a few months away from free agency, it’s about as good a time as any to test the waters once again.
Eurosport believe they have done just that.
Could Spurs finally land Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger?
Thomas Tuchel is desperate to retain the services of a man who has played the finest football of his Chelsea career since the departure of Frank Lampard 11 months ago, striding forward from the back with seemingly enough confidence to leave Charlie Sheen cowering.
Rudiger appears to have different ideas, however.
Tottenham are reported to have made a ‘strong proposal’ but, with bonafide superclubs like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid also interested, it’s tempting to feel as if Antonio Conte’s kitty cat are going up against a pair of lions.
As far as the Chelsea supporters are concerned, losing Rudiger in the prime of his career would be a major blow.
But they’d sooner see Rudiger at Real Madrid or Bayern Munich than Tottenham Hotspur, every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
