3 reasons why Antonio Rudiger would be a great signing for Chelsea
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are plotting a £35 million move for AS Roma defender Antonio Rudiger…
Chelsea’s pursuit of defensive reinforcements has been long discussed, and the Blues have been linked with a number of big-money moves in recent weeks – including the likes of Leonardo Bonucci.
Rudiger is the latest in a line of targets, with Conte thus far unsuccessful as he looks to continue his revolution at Stamford Bridge.
Whilst Rudiger might not have been Chelsea’s first choice, that does not mean he is any worse than some of their more direct options – in fact, quite the opposite.
With that said, here are 3 reasons why Antonio Rudiger would be a great signing for Chelsea…
Long-Term Solution
In contrast to some of Chelsea’s other options, Rudiger would serve as the best target should Antonio Conte be looking for a long-term solution to his defensive woes.
Targets including Leonardo Bonucci and Pepe are already in, or are fast approaching, their 30’s – and Rudiger is just 23-years-old.
Chelsea’s current defence includes John Terry, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic – and Antonio Conte desperately needs to reduce the average age of his defensive line.
Rudiger fits that bill perfectly, and he will do for the best part of a decade.
Individual Quality
There is no doubt about it – Antonio Rudiger is one of Europe’s finest defenders.
Despite his tender years, Rudiger is already a skilled, technically gifted, powerful and determined defender. At 6ft3, he has a towering frame – and he is man-made for the Premier League.
Antonio Conte doesn’t want flair in his defence. He wants raw, defensive ability – and Rudiger has that in droves.
He has already made 30 appearances for Roma, alongside 11 for the German national team – and you don’t do that at age 23 if you aren’t talented beyond your years.
Rudiger has it all.
Price
The main issue for Conte so far has been price, and if the Daily Mail are to be believed – Rudiger could offer an option that is genuinely economically feasible for the Blues.
The Daily Mail are reporting that £35 million could be enough to persuade the Italian giants – and that is a price that is more than affordable for a club like Chelsea.
When you consider that Conte is willing to put a world-record fee on the table to secure a nearly 30-year-old Leonardo Bonucci – Rudiger’s price becomes even more attractive.
If Rudiger can be brought to London for a £35m fee – he would represent excellent value in today’s market.