Chelsea have reportedly identified Juventus central defender Matthijs de Ligt as Antonio Rudiger’s replacement at Stamford Bridge for next summer.
Rudiger’s contract extension deadlock continues to drag on in the build-up to the January transfer window where the Germany international will be free to negotiate pre-contract terms with his suitors in the market.
Real Madrid are understood to be leading the line to land Rudiger’s signature, according to the rumour mill, with the La Liga heavyweights keen on adding to their defensive options by signing the Chelsea man.
Reports from Todo Fichajas have suggested that with the Blues camp poised to lose Rudiger on a free transfer next summer, Thomas Tuchel’s longstanding target Matthijs de Ligt is being lined up as the replacement.
The Holland international’s future in the Juventus shirt has been subject to much speculation since this summer with his agent Mino Raiola pushing for the 23-year-old defender to seal a move to England’s top flight with Chelsea keeping close tabs.
