Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger in the summer transfer window.
The German centre-back has been with the Blues since 2017, having joined from AS Roma in 2017, and has won the Europa League, Champions League, and FA Cup with Chelsea.
According to Mirror Football, Rudiger has just one year remaining on his current deal at the club and there have been no negotiations between the club and the player. Spurs’ former manager Jose Mourinho is also interested in signing the 28-year-old, while French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on bringing him in this summer.
The German international, who has made 40 appearances for his national team, and has played 149 times for the Blues in all competitions.
Antonio Rudiger – The right defensive option for Tottenham?
Antonio Rudiger has had an up-and-down Chelsea career so far. He was a key cog in the Chelsea team during his first two seasons at the club, but become a bit-part player during Frank Lampard’s tenure. The German didn’t play a lot under Lampard earlier this season and has only had more opportunities following Thomas Tuchel’s arrival.
Rudiger is a quick and strong defender, capable of playing as part of a back four or back three. The centre-back is adept at bringing the ball out of defence to create attacks. He may, at times, lack concentration, which could result in a few defensive errors.
Rudiger averaged 1.6 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game in the Premier League last season, while he was decent in the air too, averaging 2.2 aerial duels won per game.
A good passer of the ball, he averaged a whopping 80.2 passes per game, completing 89.4% of all his passes.
Tottenham struggled at the back in the last season, as the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier failed to step up, while veteran defender Toby Alderweireld’s form waned.
Joe Rodon, a buy from Championship side Swansea City, has looked promising in the few appearances he made last season and could be one for the future.
Is this real or am I dreaming!? 🦁😍🏆 Greateast day of my career! ⚽💙 #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve pic.twitter.com/fEWwTYqPZ4
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) May 29, 2021
Rudiger could be a decent signing for the North London club as he has vast experience, is good on the ball, and is a strong defender. The German could work well in a team that moves the ball around quickly as the side can utilise Rudiger’s superb passing. Spurs desperately need quality defenders as well as leaders at the back, and Rudiger fits the ball.
The one obstacle in Rudiger moving to Tottenham is the animosity at the boardroom level between the two London clubs.
Stats via Whoscored
