With Chelsea unable to offer Antonio Rudiger a new contract, Juventus are reportedly ready to swoop, but face competition from Real Madrid, Manchester United and Newcastle United.
The German international is no stranger to Serie A, having already played for Roma before the move to Stamford Bridge.
His contract is running down to expire on June 30 and he did not seem prepared to sign an extension.
That is now completely impossible, as Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had his UK assets frozen as part of sanctions against Russian oligarchs, so the club cannot negotiate any new contracts.
Rudiger therefore will be available as a free agent and has a list of clubs interested, including Juventus, Manchester United and Newcastle.
The favourites had been Real Madrid, but that might not necessarily still be the case in a few weeks’ time.
According to Calciomercato.com, Rudiger is asking to double his current salary, which is worth €5m per season.
Juventus are trying to lower their average wage bill and have again postponed their meeting to discuss Paulo Dybala’s new deal.
He had originally agreed €10m per season plus bonuses, but the Bianconeri are now attempting to negotiate a lower figure.
#Juve, assalto a #Rudiger a parametro zero: ecco la mega richiesta per l’ingaggio https://t.co/Q7gaKRZH7x pic.twitter.com/pb89G0ovTE
— calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) March 10, 2022
Good idea. Juve need a partner for De Ligt.
The old legends Bonucci and Chiellini are just too old
Juve need left footed centre backs!!
Juve need left footed centre backs!!
10m a season is a huge ask – but I suppose if he is free it works out quite cheap. The competition for Rudiger’s signature will be tough. Newcastle will be able to offer a lot.