Bayern Munich face competition from Real Madrid for Antonio Rudiger

Bayern Munich has been improving defense in the past three windows by signing some of the most coveted defenders. The German Champions might sign another central defender next summer, with Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea is emerging as the prime target. The latest update from England does hint that Rudiger could be moving away from Stamford Bridge.

According to ESPN, Bayern and Real Madrid, with other European clubs, are growing in confidence to sign Antonio Rudiger on a free transfer next summer. The German defender recently admitted that he is honoured by the reported interest from Die Roten but refused to give any hint about his future.

The story from ESPN does give an interesting insight into Rudiger’s wage demands. The German international is seeking close to £300k per week, which is more than double the wages he is currently earning at Chelsea. The interested clubs in him will also have to come close to these wage demands to complete the transfer.

Previously, one report in Germany had confirmed that Bayern would be able to sign Rudiger within the constraints of their wage structure. However, the report from ESPN does suggest that Die Roten will have to invest heavily to sign Rudiger.

Bayern currently has a good group of center-backs in the squad. However, the contract situation of Niklas Sule is similar to that of Rudiger at Chelsea. The former Hoffenheim defender has entered the final year of his contract. Sule and Die Roten have reportedly delayed contract talks until the winter transfer window.

In case Sule ends up leaving, the Bavarian club will need to fill his void in the squad with a good center-back. Rudiger has the experience of playing in the Bundesliga, and he has been one of the top performers for Chelsea in the past 12 months. The 28-year-old defender is currently a key player for Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.

In an ideal world, Die Roten finds a way to reach an agreement with Sule to extend his contract. The German international has been one of the key players for Rekordmeister this season. It is not surprising to see Sule getting back to his best under Julian Nagelsmann as the duo worked together at Hoffenheim.

Rudiger is obviously a quality defender who has got better in the past couple of seasons. However, Sule is entering the prime years of his career, which makes him a much better option than Rudiger in the long term. The next couple of months will make things clear around the future of both German defenders.