Napoli show interest in Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Rudy

MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 12: Sebastian Rudy of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates the 28th German football championship after the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on May 12, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 12: Sebastian Rudy of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates the 28th German football championship after the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on May 12, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)

Former Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti, now manager of Italian club SSC Napoli, hopes to reunite with midfielder Sebastian Rudy.

Sebastian Rudy has previously been linked with a move away from Bayern Munich. The German international was last linked with a loan move to Schalke or a permanent switch to his former club, VfB Stuttgart. Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli is the latest club reportedly interested in signing Rudy.

According to Sky Italy’s reliable journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli has registered a firm interest in Rudy. However, the two clubs have not yet started negotiations for a potential transfer. The Italian club are eager to strengthen their midfield, as they are likely to lose Jorginho to Manchester City this summer.

Napoli have recently appointed former Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti as their coach. It is no coincidence that since his appointment numerous Bayern players have been linked with a move to Naples. Of all the Bayern players apparently on the Napoli radar, a move for Sebastian Rudy seems the most likely.

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The German midfielder arrived at Bayern on a free transfer from Hoffenheim last summer. Though many wondered how Rudy would fit in at such a big club, Ancelotti made him a key player straightaway after. Rudy started regularly for Bayern at the start of the season in the holding midfield position. He repaid Ancelotti’s trust with consistently good performances in this position.

However, after the departure of Ancelotti in September, things went downhill for Rudy. Jupp Heynckes moved Javi Martinez back into midfield, and Rudy lost his place in the starting XI. He became a rotational player for Bayern and struggled to do well when given a chance to play. This eventually led to reports hinting a possible departure  for the player in the summer.

Rudy has hardly complained about his limited gametime openly. The German midfielder still wants to fight for his place at Bayern Munich. His comments after winning the Bundesliga title suggest that he is not actively looking for a transfer right now. Niko Kovac’s arrival might even allow Rudy another chance to kickstart his career in Munich.

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Moreover, in the past few days, strong reports from Germany have emerged saying that the Bavarians are looking to sell Thiago Alcantara and/or Arturo Vidal in summer. These departures might be a blessing in disguise for the German midfielder. Despite his inconsistent season, Rudy is in Germany’s World Cup squad.  He is unlikely to make a decision on his future right now as he will be totally focused on World Cup preparations.