Mauricio Pochettino will battle his former side, Tottenham Hotspur, for the free transfer of Antonio Rudiger, after Paris Saint-Germain opened talks with the Chelsea defender’s agent.
That’s according to Foot Mercato, who claim PSG are now in discussions with the German’s representative and half-brother, Sahr Senesie.
Pochettino has endorsed the Ligue 1 side to hold talks with Rudiger’s camp, as Paris Saint-Germain seek to capitalise on his contract with Chelsea expiring at the end of the season.
Chelsea hope to extend Rudiger’s deal at Stamford Bridge, but are fighting European-wide interest. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also among the club’s alert to his situation.
As are Tottenham, who Dean Jones claims are the only English side seriously considering a transfer for Chelsea ace Rudiger. While Bild note the centre-half wants to stay in London.
But Marca also note the 28-year-old is looking to join Real Madrid, who would ‘welcome him with open arms’. And he has no interest in signing a new deal in south-west London.
Rudiger to deal Chelsea blow amid Tottenham and PSG transfer interest
Chelsea losing Rudiger on a free transfer to Tottenham, Real Madrid or Pochettino’s Paris Saint-Germain would be a big blow.
He is a mainstay of Thomas Tuchel’s backline, after regaining an important role from the lonely wilderness under Frank Lampard.
But Chelsea, Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid will have to dig deep to have Rudiger next season.
Reports by 90min claim Rudiger wants Chelsea to triple his wage for him to consider a new contract.
The £100k-a-week centre-back believes his performances warrant a wage close to Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner. With the pair netting in excess of £300k-a/w as the top-earners.
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