Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with signing Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, but a move may now be trickier under Antonio Conte.
Tottenham have pulled off an enormous coup by securing Conte as their new manager following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo.
For Conte to be taking the Tottenham job right now, you have to assume he has been promised major signings in 2022 and beyond.
You would also imagine that Conte is bringing his usual 3-5-2 system to North London, and he would certainly need some centre backs signed.
Cristian Romero looks great, but question marks surround the likes of Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon.
One name linked with Tottenham of late is Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger, with Eurosport claiming interest from Spurs.
Conte’s mixed relationship with Tottenham target Rudiger
Available for free at the end of the season, the German defender – who cost Chelsea £29million in 2017 under Conte – Rudiger could be a bargain for Tottenham.
However, Rudiger’s relationship with Conte at Chelsea was somewhat… mixed.
Rudiger praised Conte when he signed for Chelsea, believing he would take a big step forward under the Italian.
The 28-year-old did turn out 45 times under Conte, notching three goals and two assists.
However, Rudiger questioned Conte’s tactics in terms of dropping off at 1-0 rather than going for more goals, and Conte froze him out.
Rudiger has since suggested that Conte ‘rants at you’ when he is unhappy, indicating he preferred the softer style of Frank Lampard.
With Conte and Rudiger seemingly having a complicated past, Tottenham’s pursuit may have taken something of a hit.
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