- Real Madrid. Tchouameni a target for Real Madrid
- Chelsea. Rudiger wants to follow Alaba's lead
With an eye already on future transfer windows, Real Madrid are on the lookout for defenders and Antonio Rudiger's name appears high on their list for a number of reasons.
The Chelsea defender has two key factors in his favour which make him stand out from the other options being weighed up by the club.
Firstly, there is the economic side of things as Los Blancos are still suffering the effects of the pandemic. The German's contract with the London club is set to expire at the end of the current season and it seems there is a sizeable distance between the player and the club when it comes to renewal talks.
That opens the door for a David Alaba type situation, who similarly didn't reach an agreement with Bayern Munich and was ultimately able to leave under freedom of contract. Whether Real Madrid would prefer a free transfer in the summer or a cut-price deal in January remains to be seen.
The other key reason why Los Blancos are interested is because at 28 years old this is an experienced, quality player in the prime of his career. With the departures of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Real Madrid feel they are still lacking in defence, despite the arrival of Alaba.
The numbers tell the story: in eight games, Real Madrid have conceded 10 goals this season. Ramos and Varane were the partnership that ushered in four Champions League titles, so it is understandable that their absence is being felt.
Options for Ancelotti
Rudiger would give Carlo Ancelotti more options at the back, where he doesn't have much flexibility at present. Injuries have seen both Alaba and Nacho Fernandez used at full back, leaving only the inexperienced Jesus Vallejo as cover in the middle and Eder Militao as the only sure starter at centre back.
Having played hundreds of games across the Bundesliga, Serie A and Premier League, as well as amassing almost 50 Germany caps, Rudger's CV is impressive and with a potential bargain to be had given his expiring contract, he could be exactly what Real Madrid are looking for.