According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus are now in pole position to sign Antonio Rudiger as a free agent from Chelsea, surpassing Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the race.
The centre-back’s current deal is due to expire on June 30 and while he had been unable to agree a new contract at Stamford Bridge, that has now become impossible.
It’s because Chelsea had their assets frozen due to Roman Abramovich’s links with Vladimir Putin, as part of sanctions against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
That means Rudiger will leave as a free agent this summer and is busy negotiating for his next club.
Real Madrid had seemed to be the favourites, but now the Gazzetta dello Sport claim Juventus have surged in front with a salary package worth €7m per season.
It would represent a return to Serie A for Rudiger, who already impressed at Roma and was sold for €35m in 2018.
Juve have the advantage, as the ‘growth decree’ means they can get a massive discount on taxes for a player coming in from abroad.