Rijo Sam Daniel
Transfer News: Chelsea to meet wage demands of Manchester United target Antonio Rudiger
According to Goal (h/t The Mirror), Chelsea are willing to accept the wage demands made by Manchester United target Antonio Rudiger to prevent a centre-back crisis. Uncertainty has surrounded the air regarding his future at Stamford Bridge, but this latest update could put an end to it.
Rudiger has less than six months left on his contract with the Blues. As such, they are eager to tie him down on a new deal, and the negotiations have been ongoing for quite a while. He is currently earning a salary of £100,000 per week but is demanding an improved offer of around £200,000 per week.
That prompted the 28-year-old to reject an earlier proposal of £140,000-per-week in wages. However, Thomas Tuchel’s side is open to giving him what he wants because of the risk of losing Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta next summer. Both of them are in line to become free agents at the end of this season.
Contract to be signed soon?
It would have been a challenge to land a potential high-profile free agent such as Rudiger if he were to become available in the summer. Nonetheless, this piece of news is disheartening since he could have instantly boosted the quality of our defence. He is a solid centre-back in Tuchel’s three-man defensive backline and is also adept at playing in a formation with two centre-backs.
Harry Maguire was once again at his worst in a forgettable night against Burnley. He could have done way better for the goal Jay Rodriguez scored and the subsequent draw resulted in us surrendering fourth place to West Ham United for the time being.
The Blues defender could have been just what we needed to reinforce the centre of the defence. His time with Chelsea, especially after Tuchel’s arrival, has showcased what he is really about.
The German international is also interested in staying with Tuchel’s team, indicating that he may well accept the improved offer. Stranger things have happened in football, so there is a chance for more twists to come. With Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich monitoring the situation as well, we cannot rule anything out.
More Manchester United News
- Rio Ferdinand criticises Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire for Burnley mistake
- Manchester United failed to sign Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka in exchange for Dean Henderson
- Manchester United target Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans amidst Juventus interest
The ideal scenario for anyone who wants to see the ex-AS Roma ace in our team would be that he turns down anything that the Blues propose and becomes available on a free this summer. But then again, things aren’t that simple in football.
