Real ‘prioritise’ Rudiger deal with ‘no intention’ of renewing Chelsea stay

Antonio Rudiger has ‘no intention’ of renewing his Chelsea contract with Real Madrid eyeing up a move, according to reports.

The German has been a key cog in the Blues’ success under Thomas Tuchel, playing a major part in their Champions League winning campaign last season.

But the centre-back has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Many top European clubs are rumoured to be interested in Rudiger, including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

And according to Goal, Real are ‘optimistic about their chances’ of signing the 28-year-old as they are now ‘prioritising’ a move for the Chelsea man.

The Blues remain hopeful that Rudiger will sign a new contract and most recently offered the ex-Roma defender a deal worth £7million per year.

In terms of potential replacements, Chelsea have been linked with Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo this week.

The Uruguay international joined Barcelona in 2018. He signed a five-year deal when he joined the club and he made his senior debut in 2019.

Araujo has been a mainstay in Barcelona’s first team since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

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Spanish outlet Sport (as cited by Sport Witness) are reporting that Chelsea have Araujo “in their sights” as they have “enormous interest” in him.

The report adds that Chelsea are “ready to take the next step next summer” in their attempts to sign the defender. This will come as he enters the final year of his deal at Barcelona. Liverpool are also named as admirers of the 22-year-old.