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Another Premier League Club Are Planning To Hijack Chelsea's Rudiger Move

Another Premier League Club Are Planning To Hijack Chelsea's Rudiger Move

Not the news Antonio Conte will want to hear

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

Chelsea's summer transfer window frustrations seemed to be undergoing a reversal in fortunes this week after the Premier League champions completed a move for goalkeeper Willy Caballero and moved closer to finalising a deal for Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.

But the Blues may now be facing another, last minute hurdle in their attempts to secure a move for Roma defender Antonio Rudiger.

The German defender was expected to complete a move to Stamford Bridge within the next week, with Antonio Conte wanting to strengthen his defence following the departure of John Terry and the £20 million sale of Nathan Ake to Bournemouth.



Now though, the Sunday Mirror are reporting that Manchester City have entered the race for Rudiger at the last second, with Pep Guardiola ready to return the favour to Antonio Conte after Chelsea pipped City to the signature of Tiemoue Bakayoko.


Bakayoko
Bakayoko

Tiemoue Bakayoko was a wanted man at the Etihad, but has instead chose to move to Stamford Bridge. Image: PA

The Mirror report that Guardiola has been having Rudiger scouted for the last few months, with defensive stability a priority for the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager after a series of catastrophic performances from his defence, last season.


And £35 million rated Rudiger is seen as an ideal fit for the Catalan coach in his attempt to return the Premier League title to the Etihad stadium.

It was reported just over a month ago that City's owners have set Guardiola the challenge of delivering an unprecedented quadruple to the club, next season - an achievement no manager in the history of English football has ever achieved.

It is perhaps no surprise then that Guardiola has been so keen to get a lot of his business done early, this summer, with deals for Monaco playmaker Bernardo Silva and Benfica goalkeeper Ederson already completed.

Guardiola also wanted Bakayoko, before Chelsea entered the race for the French midfielder, who will complete a £43 million move to Stamford Bridge in the next few days.

And while Rudiger was reportedly scheduled for a medical with Chelsea next week, City's late move for the Roma centre-half may sway the German defender towards Manchester instead of London.


Guardiola
Guardiola

Guardiola is keen to hijack Chelsea's deal for Rudiger, after missing out on Tiemoue Bakayoko. Image: PA

Where do you expect Rudiger to end up, this summer? City or Chelsea? Who needs the Roma centre-half more? Pep Guardiola or Antonio Conte?

Have your say in the comments sections below and on our Facebook page.

(H/T Mirror)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Manchester City, Football, Antonio Rudiger, AS Roma, Chelsea FC