Scouting Chelsea Transfer Target Antonio Rudiger

Welcome to the transfer merry-go-round.

Antonio Rudiger only signed permanently for Roma this week from Stuttgart after spending a season on loan with the Serie A club, but now he’s being linked with a move to Chelsea.

According to Italian journalist Emanuele Giulianelli (h/t Daily Star), Chelsea are prepared to offer £20 million for Rudiger, offering the defender a five-year deal in the process:

Chelsea decisive move for Rüdiger. Blues ready to offer about €27mln to Roma, 5 years deal for the player. #cfc

— Emanuele Giulianelli (@EmaGiulianelli) June 1, 2016

So what will new boss Antonio Conte be getting for his money? Why is Rudiger being linked with Chelsea? What can he offer the Blues? Bleacher Report takes a closer look.

 

Position

It makes sense Chelsea are attempting to sign defenders this summer. Not only are the club short on numbers—they ended the 2015/16 campaign with just six recognised first-team defenders—they also endured their worst defensive record in the Premier League since 1996/97.

It was 20 years ago that Chelsea last conceded more than 50 goals in a league campaign, with the against tally for the last 12 months reading 53.

That was a big factor in Chelsea finishing in midtable. Their defensive record is what we would expect from a team in 10th place, as they lack the sort of solidity of old that had won them league titles and other trophies.

Rudiger would slot in as one of Chelsea’s two centre-backs (if Conte maintains a back four), which is where he played for much of last season alongside Kostas Manolas at Roma. He also played one game at right-back for manager Luciano Spalletti’s side.

Being just 23 years old and very much a defender for modern times, there’s an argument to suggest he would also fit into a potential …

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